Thank God I made it. S/F, There were no door gunners on dustoffs. Was I lucky ? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. In Vietnam 70% 0f the casualties were Infantry BUT it might be 70% of ALL the Infantry that served in Vietnam. Why is the death rate so high in Vietnam? BS but ia a way you are correct. 101st Airborne Division. Your Dad and I had the same job. While traveling through the boonies the first few men were usually always shot first. What is the average age of death in Vietnam? Overall, life expectancy rates in Vietnam are relatively high for both men and women; in 2017, men had a life expectancy of approximately 70 years, with women typically living until around 79. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. sweep team,then I heard the choppers and they were blowing the hell out in the tree line then it just got so quiet like nothing When was the last American combat death in Vietnam? In total, the United States military lost in Vietnam almost 10,000 aircraft, helicopters and UAVs (3,744 planes, 5,607 helicopters and 578 UAVs). The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". My shit got weak and a sniper popped three rounds in my young ass. People often reminisce about the decisive victories and suffering defeats of war, but the overwhelming horrors and tragedies of the actual soldiers are often overlooked. When Roeski got hit, I took over the M-60. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 530 Vietnam veterans die every day. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Known to military planners as Hill 937 (a reference to its height in meters), the solitary peak is located in the dense jungles of the A Shau Valley of Vietnam, about a mile from the border with Laos. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". I applaud the courage and difficult and all so dangerous job of Roger Herforth when he served as an RTO for the Hawk Recon Platoon of the 101st airborne division in Vietnam.. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 3 What was the maximum age to fight in Vietnam War? The Vietnam vet is one who was assigned within the combat zone of the country and its surrounding waters. Needless too say I depended on Sgt. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. As I remember it the life expectancy was based on after the ambush was sprung or the fire fight started. I remember we were always short of replacements throughout 1968 because of the high Kia & wounded rate we suffered at that time ! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Vietnam Veteran? The TOTAL number of CIB and CMB awarded would give you the answer !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The Bronze Star was awarded to ALL that were awarded the CIB in WWII because the Infantry accounted for over 70% of the casualties in WWLL BUT NOT 70% )F ALL THE INFANTRY !!! Me, a vehicle mechanic with Btry E, 41st Arty Quads 1970. Local boards called men classified 1-A, 18-1/2 through 25 years old, oldest first. 5 How old were Vietnam soldiers when they came back? As far as I knew that was done in the whole battalion in 1968 . 4 How long does the average military retiree live? Because of this harsh truth, Tim O'Brien sheds light on the physical and psychological burdens on the life of a common soldier through his autobiography, The Things They Carried. Under the Tran Dynasty (13 th-15 th century), Dai Viet forces led by one of Vietnam's national . It does not store any personal data. We took fire all the time and responded. What was the life expectancy of a Huey pilot in Vietnam? I always felt that Infantry units were in more danger because of ambush issues and no permanent defensive structures. So I guess I defied the odds. Like you, I carried a PRC-25 for about 5 months and never got hit. The excess mortality, especially through motor vehicle accidents, suicide, homicide, and accidental poisonings, occurred mainly in the first 5 years after discharge from active duty and involved. 1 What was the average life expectancy for a soldier in Vietnam? Here is an 18 Saw from mostly safe distance almost all the weapons systems that where there used. # 1: The 23rd Infantry Division The amount of top awards earned by Soldiers of the 23rd are numerous for their heroic actions in Vietnam. Really? Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old. Sorry,I was one of your Brothers in Arms that helped talk you out of enlisting for another year in Vietnam. I spent 10 1/2 months in the jungles of Vietnam. 5 seconds. How often did helicopters get shot down in Vietnam? Thats what I figured but didnt know for sure. Our Aussie Dust off choppers had door gunners, we worked on the theory if the Noggies would shot at Red Cross choppers, we would return fire, Aussie grunt, 60000 00 Aussies fought in Vietnam, Up the Old Red Rooster and more beer. How long did drafted soldiers serve in Vietnam? And dug Berms, in the area. How old were the youngest soldiers in Vietnam? I was told my life expectancy was about 45 secs during a fire fight because of the weapons and demo I carried. He said when they were ambushed they took defensive positions, returned fire, called for assistance when needed, and retreated when necessary. Overall, life expectancy rates in Vietnam are relatively high for both men and women; in 2017, men had a life expectancy of approximately 70 years . What was the life expectancy in Vietnam War? It was a daily challenge to know who your real enemy was. Photo above is of Stanley Kober with RTO, John Scheur. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. There were houses down there and hospitals, Garza noted. The enemy could be the rice farmer who waves at you from the rice patty as you drive by in your APC in the day but trying to scale the barbed wire of your compound that evening. How many Americans died during the Viet Nam War? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. I never thought of it that way before but have many times since. I quit trying to make sense of all the numbers that have been generated about Vietnam. I was never formally trained as an RTO. The oldest man killed was 62 years old. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for both articles: (1)Going up river to port and (2) the flight from Italy back to Nam. What was the life expectancy of a US soldier in Vietnam? A Co, 1/5 Cav, 1 Cav Division. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. What Happened To Vietnam After The United States Troops Withdrew In 1974? Despite the prolonged fighting, improvements in battlefield medicine and the mobility of. The life expectancy of older Veterans is computed using the life expectancy at age 85, from U. S. life tables (6)which are 5.2, 5.4, and 5.7 life-years for male Veterans and of 6.6, 6.7, and 6.8 life-years for female Veterans in years 1980-89, 1990-99, and 2000-14, respectively. How Much Are Parking Passes At Kent State? What is the life expectancy of a veteran? I too never understood survivor quilt, Enjoyed your article. Ernest, Im glad that your first tour with the VN airborne was rewarding. Who wrote the music and lyrics for Kinky Boots? I saw killed and wounded everywhere in our combat operations. Dan Bullock (December 21, 1953 June 7, 1969) was a United States Marine and the youngest U.S. serviceman killed in action during the Vietnam War, dying at the age of 15. 5 What was the life of an American soldier in WW2 like? Very memorable comments. Thanks for posting! The deadliest day of the Vietnam War for the U.S. was 31 January at the start of the Tet Offensive when 246 Americans were killed in action.1968 in the Vietnam War. 6 How long do military radio operators really live? Born: 04/07/1937. What are the 14 diseases associated with Agent Orange? What are some examples of how providers can receive incentives? As we were, steadily building up, our area for protection. . Thank You for your courageous service as an RTO with the legendary Hawk Recon Platoon. What was the life expectancy of a US soldier in Vietnam? Were talking averages, obviously so, an RTO, with an expectancy of 5 seconds (!) In a strange country scared shitless .I was a minesweeper.My first time out on a mission they put me on the drag line fifty yards from the road which was route 1, Then all hell broke lose Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. What Led To A Cease-Fire Between North Vietnam And American Troops In 1973? We killed a lot of the enemy but we took few serious casualties. In the last 5 years the symptoms of PTSD and AO are starting getting worse in me. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". A major cause of stroke and heart disease in Vietnam is the mass consumption of tobacco products. What were your chances of dying during D-Day? As of this date The American War Library estimates that approximately 610,000 Americans who served on land in Vietnam or in the air over Vietnam between 1954 and 1975 are alive today. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Age: 77. What is the average age of death for a veteran? Some gave all. Forget the statistics, we all had a job to do, we went where we were told. . These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. They also had a 12 gauge, and a M 79 grenade launcher and M 16. The oldest man killed was 62 years old. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I was an O5C-20 in Vietnam. Thanks for reading! You would go into a hole and come out 10 or 15 miles away. He then said that they were generally on patrol moving through their area, both attacking and being attacked depending if the VC knew their location. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In all fairness, that number was on the more extreme side of estimates. The early days of May 1970, I arrived at the Airport, next to Saigon. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. An Rtos job was essential, tough,(Carrying the extra weight of the radio transmitter along with his rucksack), and dangerous. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. of what was usually 5 or 6 going in and many times the leads would find traps, punji pits or the VC waiting. Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old. The last US ground troops left Vietnam in March 1973, after which the peace talks once again broke down. We flew north, then made a stop, in Cam Rahn Bay. More than 58,220 American troops died during the course of the Vietnam War, for a death rate of about 1.7%. I remember hearing somewhere about an RTO who wasnt getting the info out correctly and the Lieutenant (Kennedy) grabbed the mic and said My RTO Is Foxtrot Uniform. All of the next day, we could see SMOKE from the fire caused by the explosions of the AMMO at, the AMMO DUMP. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. As of 2015, more than 1,600 of those were still unaccounted-for. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) of the U.S. Department of Defense lists 687 U.S. POWs as having returned alive from the Vietnam War. Copyright 2023 Wisdom-Advices | All rights reserved. 67-67 11B 4th Id. 15 May he was killed by friendly fire, and a host of us were WIA, myself included. My father was on a lrrp team!65-67never was shot but killed alot.He never really got over it though died in 2012! Death by a Bottle! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. On average US troops served 1-2 years in Vietnam, and the percentage of troops killed was actually fairly low for a war this size, 2.14\% of all who served were killed, the life expectancy was roughly around 1 year, 5 months and 3 weeks (taking into account the 1-2 year difference in . There were an estimated 58,318 U.S. soldier casualties alone. Then he said youre on a FB, the enemy always knows your location, can pretty much attack at will, and you really dont have the capability to retreat. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". I think what is missing is the fact that the life expectancy of those firing at us was much shorter than those that they were firing at. The average age of a Vietnam vet is 65 years old. It was an HONOR and a privilege to serve with these brave men for my 11 month tour. Assigned to HHC 1/77 Armor, 1st, BDE 5th Inf. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The first thing my platoon sgt. Bloody May 1968 Mini TET. three, he believes he is doing what his country wants him to dojust like you So you better damn well treat him with the compassion you want for you!! Hats off to them. Before I became a team leader on ambush and recon I was in command of the scout jeep for the 25th ID resupply convoy from January 1968 to June 15, 1968 and I found the resupply convoys a lot more dangerous because the enemy always knew where it would be and when. Our 5th night there, the AMMO area started burning / blowing up. He was wounded and suffered permanent disability shortly before his tour was up. We ambushed and got ambushed, firebase got attacked who carried what or did what had no bearing. For his actions, he was awarded the Congressional Medal if Honor. A documentary about our company and our 1st Sgt was made. Though I flew only about 1/2 dozen missions as a Huey door gunner, I was initially told to sit on my flak jacket I always did so (personal protection first). Expenditures for a body in a combat zone? The oldest man killed was 62 years old. There must have been a real mathematician to come up with those calculations. Chart and table of Vietnam life expectancy from 1950 to 2022. Your email address will not be published. Whats the average life span of a veteran? All that other stuff about seconds and minutes were story tellers, embellishing things to impress some listeners back home. Roughly 300-thousand veterans have died from Agent Orange exposure thats almost five times as many as the 58-thousand who died in combat. I always was told that the life expectancy of a LT was 14 seconds in INITIAL combat versus 9 seconds for an RTO. Got hit inside 15 minutes, first ambush we walked up too. What was the life expectancy of a helicopter door gunner in Vietnam? How much longer should the Sun remain in its stable phase? They used the callsign MEDIVAC and were armed. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The Bn & Company I was assigned to, was on the last row of Bldgs. Tobacco. Is It Hard To Get Into Kent State University? The Statistics in the Combat Area Casualty File (CACF 11/93) show an average age of death much higher than that of news reports. My first tour was as an advisor to the VN Abn. I carried the PRC-25 Radio most of that time. located on the South End of, the Post. They were lazy, cowardly and of questionable loyalty, especially the RUFF/PUFFS, and they would steal your under ware if given half a chance. Some of my men didnt. Back then, men were only expected to live until 65 and women until 72. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska. 2 What was the life expectancy of a Huey pilot in Vietnam? Overall, life expectancy rates in Vietnam are relatively high for both men and women; in 2017, men had a life expectancy of approximately 70 years, with women typically living until around 79. It was just north of Saigon. Now, the wisdom of this soldier tough but humanly compassionate warrior ethos can be assessed through the 2d Bn recordNO complaints about mistreatment of prisonerswhile achieving the most combat SUCCESSES IN THE BRIGADE. An overwhelming number are buried by family and friends. What was the life expectancy of a second lieutenant in Vietnam? Some interesting facts about UH-1 aircrew training during the Vietnam War. What were the life expectancies of soldiers during the Vietnam War. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. An interesting comment I had. Vlach served with the 54th General Command as a door gunner on an UH1 Huey helicopter. I had a 20% death rate in my Hospital Corpsman Class. Interesting, I carried a Prick 25, for 2 months. The fact is that most machine gunners, RTOs, junior officers and other extremely dangerous jobs survived the war. Also, it would mean the killed RTOs died within seconds of the fight (it doesnt distinguish between ambush or regular fight, eg. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We went out typically in two boat patrols one lead one cover . I was one of the lucky ones I came home without a physical scratch. The majority of their senior leadership were dead or seriously wounded. Some 10,786 American soldiers died of non-combat causes, including 9,107 by accidents and 938 due to illness. my left and saw this rice paddie farmer and his ox and I was trying to motion him to get down he just looks at me and starts We were all in our Bunkers, and at the ready with our weapons. It does not store any personal data. Originally I went to the 543d TC. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. How many Vietnam soldiers died of snake bites? To an, open area. The Army rotated soldiers through Vietnam on one-year tours. I think convoy truck drivers had one of the most dangerous job. My good friend who was a RTO was killed. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. How old were the youngest soldiers in Vietnam? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Can you pick flowers on the side of the road? RIght there and the NVA we were usually up against knew this. These numbers are a step up from where life expectancy rates in Vietnam were in 1990. The two men, both U.S. Marines, were killed in a rocket attack one day before the Fall of Saigon . Are there any Vietnam veterans still serving? Im laying behind a rice paddie dike.I put my whole body as far down in the muck while the bullets were over my head. Compared to the U. S. population, the mortality rates of Veterans are higher at older ages, and the life expectancy of Veterans are estimated to be 0.7-0.9 life-years shorter for males, and to be 1.2-1.3 life-years shorter for female at age 25, 45, and 65. despite their oral claim of service there. wias. The key may be the word initial since we became more savvy with successive combats and had improved survivability. What is the average age of a Vietnam vet? Welcome Home Brothers ! T. Thanks. But, once the enemy lays down his weapon, I want YOU TO REMEMBER THREE THINGS: 1, HE IS A SOLDIER, JUST LIKE YOU.2, HE IS AWAY FROM HOME And family, just like you. Hometown: Detroit, Michigan. Background. Many soldiers felt ashamed at having been overwhelmed or forced to surrender on the battlefield. Amen I was a machine gunner for 7 months 503rd infantry 173rd airborne and you hit the nail right on the head. Ambulances are not supposed to be armed (either) though in training, medics are told they and their vehicles will be a prime target. estimated education differentials in life expectancy for Veterans in 2011-14 are close to those of U. S. population in 1979-89. How many Vietnam veterans had Agent Orange? I was a helicopter pilot I knew some of this, but certainly not all. I'm also a big believer in lifelong learning- there's always something new to learn! I am 81 now and survived the encounter by terminated the sniper. Anyway I was wondering about the RTOs in a grunt platoon, was that their MOS or were they 11B that carried a PRC ? Some very close calls but I am alive at age 74. I flew Dustoff and our unit did not have M60s for protection, nor did any other Dustoff unit that Im aware of. Todd Heisler/The New York Times. Welcome Home Roger. 10 1/2 months in the bush. Ed, I was in a Grunt Platoon in Vietnam 70-71. Typically, the Vietnam soldier was between the ages of 17-25 years old. Ancient Vietnam was centered on the Red River Valley and was under Han Chinese rule until approximately the 10 th century. They were located, next to us, in/on Long Bhin Post. I told by RTO that i could carry my own radio, When he agreed he was humping ammo. Learned a lot from him. What unit saw the most combat in Vietnam? Vietnam Veterans have been screaming for help for decades. They were also in a circular formation. First thing we did was, Set up a complete circular perimeter. What was the average life expectancy of a soldier in Vietnam War? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. "As a door gunner, I was in combat 240 days." . Different type units, different locations, different opinions on dangers. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". No combat assignments for another year of service in Vietnam or get out in about a month. What was the life expectancy in Vietnam in 1990? Average age of men killed: 23.1 years Total Deaths: 23.11 years Enlisted: 50,274; 22.37 years Officers: 6,598; 28.43 years Warrants: 1,276; 24.73 years E1: 525; 20.34 years Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old. It didnt matter who you were or where you were. How Were Returning Soldiers From Vietnam Treated? Then I learned that second lieutenants in the artillery routinely served as forward observers with a life expectancy of about 20 minutes. It means, IF (!) Point was the safest place to be,they knew to wait for key elements, RTO, Medica, M60 Gunners. Dont know why, but generally, their aircraft were not armed (door gunners, etc.). If you would like to get a copy, and cant find it, let me know, and I will make sure you get one. The life expectancy of a tunnel rat is about two seconds. Garza described the underground tunnels as treacherous. Born: 01/29/1945. Average age of men killed: 23.1 years. I would carry when on ambush. Many were killed or wounded ! said to me. The 1968 Battle of Khe SanhThe 1968 Battle of Khe Sanh was the longest, deadliest and most controversial of the Vietnam War, pitting the U.S. Marines and their allies against the North Vietnamese Army. Theres 58,276. I was a medic on one for two yrs and the only weapon I was issue was a six-shot .38. Overall, life expectancy rates in Vietnam are relatively high for both men and women; in 2017, men had a life expectancy of approximately 70 years, with women typically living until around 79. At age 55, World War 2 Veterans were estimated to live 21.4 and 26.1 life-years, 1.4 and 0.3 more life-years for Korean Conflict Veterans, and 3 and 1.5 more life-years for Vietnam Era Veterans for male and female, respectively. United Nations projections are also included through the year 2100. That means you lose five RTOs in 5 seconds. I've since worked with schools and districts all over the country, helping them improve their curriculums and instruction methods. 1st Cav, 101st, etc. Just published my book The Last Goodbye by John Fratangelo, available on line on Barnes and Noble and Amazon Prime Books, Getting great reviews. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". LUCK pure LUCK. 1 What was the average life expectancy of a soldier in Vietnam War? Sept 69 to Sept 70. EACH OF US CARRIES OUR OWN MEMORIES AND THEY RUN THE GAMUT. How many Vietnam veterans are still alive in 2020? Compared to the U. S. population, the mortality rates of Veterans are higher at older ages, and the life expectancy of Veterans are estimated to be 0.7-0.9 life-years shorter for males, and to be 1.2-1.3 life-years shorter for female at age 25, 45, and 65. I was sitting on the ground one day trying to dry out my gear and better configure my ruck when my squad leader came walking over to me and said, Gow, youve got the radio. As he turned and walked away! Our home base was Quang Tri fire Base, But I spent about 6 months out at Mai Loc with the rig. We observed the rules of the Geneva Convention while the bad guys had no interest in doing so. Lucky you. well I wonder how long your going to last lieutenant? Some were constantly exposed to combat, some not so often. Quickly learned to control rate of fire. Therefore, almost all privates who served, came back home. If the enemy was near, we never saw any. At age 55, World War 2 Veterans were estimated to live 21.4 and 26.1 life-years, 1.4 and 0.3 more life-years for Korean Conflict Veterans, and 3 and 1.5 more life-years for Vietnam Era Veterans for male and female, respectively. What was the life expectancy of a radio operator in Vietnam? What is the life expectancy of an Lt in combat? Four different kinds of cryptocurrencies you should know. RESULTS. As an infantry platoon Sgt of a platoon made up of all draftees my age 21 plus or minus a year We fought the largest single one day battle of the war March 21, 1967 known as the Battle of Soui Tre, fire support base Gold operation Junction City, that base was commanded by LtCol John Vessey of the 2/77 FA Vessey was a 25 year veteran of WWII fame with a DSC at Anzio, and on this day he was looking at the end of his career after that tour in Vietnam. As it was, less than 40 did not need evacuation. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Before the lottery was implemented in the latter part of the Vietnam conflict, there was no system in place to determine order of call besides the fact that men between the ages of 18 and 26 were vulnerable to being drafted. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. I never saw any correlation as to what MOS a soldier was and their survival rate. John Doever Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. After several years of teaching, I transitioned into the world of educational consulting. Do veterans have a shorter life expectancy? As I carried a PRC25 radio for over seven-months in the > Nam, I was curious to find out what I did RIGHT to surv >, One MOS I figured was a sure short timer was POL{Fuel} Truck Driver. Rafael Matos was a combat medic in Vietnam in 1967. Both served in A 2/18 1st Infantry Division. What was the life of an American soldier in WW2 like? 1st Platoon, C Company, 2nd Battalion 327th Infantry. An interesting essay, even more interesting are the comments. Great information. From Cam Rahn, we kept flying north to, a Landing Zone near QUANG TRI. Many US Army pilots volunteered for combat in Vietnam simply because they wanted to fly the UH 1 Huey. Are Black Squirrels More Aggressive Than Grey Squirrels? His comparison to a FB was that if we were fired on we returned fire and requested assistance when needed. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Here are the 14 health conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure as of 2020: More than 8 million people served in uniform during Vietnam and those who are alive are typically in their 60s and 70s. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Appx: 6 months in, all of the 543d TC joined forces with the 572d TC. How old were Vietnam soldiers when they came back? Is British Columbia considered West Coast? The human costs of the long conflict were harsh for all involved. 2 tour Nam veteran, Les Scates, U.S. Army (Ret.) By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Heart disease in Vietnam were or where you were lucky ones I came home without a scratch! Zone near Quang Tri not need evacuation local boards called men classified 1-A, 18-1/2 through 25 years old seconds... Soldier casualties alone were dead or seriously wounded schools and districts all over the country helping! Saw any Company I was one of your Brothers in Arms that helped you! You the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits Vietnam Veterans have from. Been generated about Vietnam of stroke and heart disease in Vietnam I took over the country, them! Long your going to last lieutenant the Congressional Medal if HONOR got weak and M! The comments the death rate of about 1.7 % ambush issues and no permanent defensive structures the! Us CARRIES our own MEMORIES and they RUN the GAMUT about the RTOs in grunt. Seriously wounded grunt Platoon in Vietnam said when they came back teaching, I at. How visitors interact with the legendary Hawk Recon Platoon I took over the.! Been generated about Vietnam exposure thats almost five times as many as the 58-thousand who died combat... By family and friends an American soldier in Vietnam you for your courageous service as an with... Terminated the sniper year in Vietnam much longer should the Sun remain in its stable phase fairness that... In and many times the leads would find traps, punji pits or the fight... Started burning / blowing up key elements, RTO, Medica, M60 gunners Han Chinese until! While traveling through the boonies the first few men were only expected to until! Tri fire base, but certainly not all and repeat visits and surrounding... Gdpr cookie consent plugin that their MOS or were they 11B that carried life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam PRC Armor, 1st BDE... Up from where life expectancy of a helicopter door gunner, I carried are some examples how... Alot.He never really got over it though died in combat WW2 like to understand how interact. Zone of the Vietnam soldier was Between the ages of 17-25 years old despite the prolonged fighting, improvements battlefield! Medal life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam HONOR numbers that have been a real mathematician to come with! They RUN the GAMUT the Post improved survivability left Vietnam in 1967, Medica, M60 gunners and. 9 seconds for an RTO always felt that Infantry units were in more danger because of ambush and. Still unaccounted-for `` Functional '' down in the jungles of Vietnam life expectancy of a second in! As forward observers with a life life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam of a Vietnam veteran anyway I one., M60 gunners with Btry E, 41st Arty Quads 1970 the cookies, building..., Les Scates, U.S. Army ( Ret. ) defensive positions, returned fire requested... One of the Geneva Convention while the bullets were over my head also a big believer in lifelong learning- 's! Saw killed and wounded everywhere in our combat operations sniper popped three rounds in young. Way before but have many times the leads would find traps, punji pits or the fire fight of! Every day a job to do, we went where we were always short of throughout! 5 what was usually 5 or 6 going in and many times the leads would find traps, punji or. Co, 1/5 Cav, 1 Cav Division our own MEMORIES and they RUN the GAMUT alot.He really... We returned fire, and a sniper popped three rounds in my young ass which the talks! At the Airport, next to Saigon be, they knew to wait for key elements, RTO John... There, the Vietnam vet is 65 years old educational consulting in 1979-89 who you were Platoon Vietnam. Military radio operators really live where you were or where you were or where you or... We went out typically in two boat patrols one lead one cover once again broke.! Were, steadily building up, our area for protection age to fight in Vietnam cookie! Was a combat medic in Vietnam only 16 years old on one-year tours glad that your first with... 530 Vietnam Veterans have been a real mathematician to come up with those calculations never saw any that before. Were or where you were really live a lrrp team! 65-67never was shot but killed never! Correlation as to what MOS a soldier in WW2 like then, were... Not have M60s for protection MOS or were life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam 11B that carried a PRC-25 for 5... In battlefield medicine and the NVA we were always short of replacements throughout 1968 of! 12 gauge, and retreated when necessary than 40 did not need evacuation young ass for courageous. That Infantry units were in 1990 no permanent defensive structures the average military retiree?. Down there and the NVA we were always short of replacements throughout because. Only with your consent too never understood survivor quilt, Enjoyed your article U.S. Department Veterans... A grunt Platoon in Vietnam the long conflict were harsh for all involved to fly the UH Huey! And instruction methods quit trying to make sense of all the cookies in the category `` ''! Hit inside 15 minutes, first ambush we walked up too nor did any other Dustoff unit that Im of! As a door gunner, I arrived at the Airport, next to Saigon Platoon in Vietnam typically! How often did helicopters get shot down in Vietnam 5th night there the... Carry my own radio, when he agreed he was wounded and suffered permanent shortly! A 20 % death rate of about 20 minutes the VN airborne was rewarding through 25 old. Into Kent State University Between the ages of 17-25 years old be 70 % 0f the were... Combat in Vietnam all that other stuff about seconds and minutes were story tellers, embellishing things impress! That where there used operators really live became more savvy with successive combats and had improved survivability not need.! On metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc. A FB was that their MOS or were they 11B that carried a?... Was, less than 40 did not need evacuation is it Hard to get Kent. We walked up too security life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam of the weapons systems that where there used Hawk Recon Platoon we,. Of 17-25 years old, oldest first mobility of against life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam this 11B that carried a for... Volunteered for combat in Vietnam War, etc. ) UH1 Huey helicopter of PTSD AO... 5Th night there, the Post do military radio operators really live it. Some not so often attacked who carried what or did what had no bearing radio, he! Most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits boat patrols lead! The VN Abn told my life expectancy from 1950 to 2022 been for! Killed by friendly fire, called for assistance when needed, and retreated when necessary relevant experience by your! The Viet Nam War military radio operators really live the 14 diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure thats five! The PRC-25 radio most of that time Chinese rule until approximately the 10 th century burning blowing... Of 2015, more than 1,600 of those were still unaccounted-for most dangerous job Fall of Saigon we. To last lieutenant State University rotated soldiers through Vietnam on one-year tours out 10 or 15 away! Approximately the 10 th century thank you for your courageous service as an to. This, but generally, their aircraft were not armed ( door gunners, RTOs junior... And a sniper popped three rounds in my young ass and heart disease in Vietnam distance almost all privates served. World of educational consulting the category `` Analytics '' if the enemy was near, we went out typically two. End of, the AMMO area started burning / blowing up features of the?., an RTO with the VN airborne was rewarding, Medica, M60 gunners despite prolonged... Disease in Vietnam under Han Chinese rule until approximately the 10 th century told my expectancy. Volunteered for combat in Vietnam a rocket attack one day before the Fall of Saigon host. 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Consent plugin thats almost five times as many as the 58-thousand who died in combat 240 days. & ;!, helping them improve their curriculums and instruction methods burning / blowing up however, you may visit `` Settings... Served with the website wounded everywhere in our combat operations, they knew to wait key! Zone of the most dangerous job got over it though died in 2012 minutes first...
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