Operation Homecoming was completed on March 29, 1973, when the last of 591 U.S. prisoners were released and returned to the United States. He was a Private First Class who was killed in action in the Second World War. And just as the bell rang he got out of the ring , technically I won the fight. In addition 18 US AF Security Police personnel and their 5 person aircrew were killed responding to the incident (the seizure of the USS Mayaquez), some do not recognize them as combat related deaths either. Also consider the thousands that served multiple tours. I knew I was dying, but I struggled with all my might to stay alive. I give a silent prayer of thanks for all of you, every time I hear a chopper going by, even now. The funny thing,(not so funny) is that when we carried peaches and beer, no problem. Finally got all the right stuff together; received benefits couple months ago. I was a Pilot, Licensed Aircraft Mechanic and Maintenance Inspector before going into the Army. It was apparently based on an estimate that 800,000 Vietnam-era veterans had died by 2000. Born: 04/07/1937. I heard them offen. I served in an artillery unit. He never did ,Thank god ,because I ended up marrying a beautiful woman and we have the most precious and beautiful daughter. For the are all Vietnam Vetersns.I was stationed. Ive also created a poll to help identify my website audience before leaving, can you please click HERE and choose the one item that best describes you. It does not store any personal data. He was killed in action just a few months later. That number was reasonable: About 9.2 million Americans served in the military during the Vietnam era . 400 hundred days of always being ready to fight and protect our 40 Huey helicopters, flew as door gunner a lot. I know I was there and have several cancers! About 15 out of every 100 Vietnam veterans (15%) were currently diagnosed with PTSD when the most recent study of . 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. and i remember that we talked about how much we would make if we lost a finger or an arm. I knew that I was gravely wounded, and bullets were kicking up dust clouds as they were landing around my feet. 2.4 million man who served in Nam approx. I served in Quang Tri (70-71) and took two types of Malaria pills. My new Iraq War novel, Three Wise Men should ne out sometime next year, I was at Camp Eagle, and worked in Production Control. How many WWII veterans die each day? I believe you mean the malaria pill was once a week. Presently, I approached the road to the top of PDL hill, and I was thinking what a beautiful day this would have been if this were some other place in some other world. Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (Mit), Missouri University Of Science And Technology, State University Of New York Health Science Center At Brooklyn, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry, The University Of North Carolina At Charlotte, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio, The University Of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University Of Texas Medical Branch At Galveston, The University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Uniformed Services University Of The Health Sciences, University At Buffalo Suny School Of Engineering And Applied Sciences, University Of California, Los Angeles (Ucla), University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, University Of Maryland Baltimore County (Umbc), University Of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, University Of Tennessee Health Science Center, University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. I agree with the conclusion taken by the Website Admin. Trying to understand: Does being shot at outside the wire while moving to new location count? I left this Sunday, as other mornings, to make a supply run and a code book and frequency transfer to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB); to gather C-Rations, mail, and most importantly to acquire our new radio codes of the confidential frequencies for this period. According to the American War Library, as of February 28, 2019, it is estimated that approximately 610,000 Americans who served in land forces during the Vietnam War or in air missions over Vietnam between 1954 and 1975 are still alive to this day. Yes, there are fuckyou lizards. If my math is correct, are you going on 68 years old ? Had several replies over the years that this was not a cause. this exclusiveness does no one any credit. We need a better more definitive for VIETNAM Vet. GREAT The average age of our Vietnam veterans is now over 70. Mike. My name is Ananda. 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. This battle resulted in the loss of 13 Marines (10 in combat, 3 were left behind and executed by the Khmer Rouge, 2 Navy Corpsmen, and 3 Air Force pilots. It was what it was. they did not get metals. So do not throw stones at some who got to lay in the same bunk night after night, just because we slept in a dirty hole night after night. We all started getting heart attacks around the same time. Number who served in country and number who served DURING the Vietnam War regardless of where they were deployed. The 25th Infantry Division, in III Corps, issue two different Malaria Pills. But the bad news is that Charlie knew exactly where they were . The Nation supported WWI & WWII, the entire Nation was involved in the war effort. I can assure you there will be those of us alive longer than 10 years from now. It was an incredibly tumultuous time in US hi >, It poses more confusion about what constitutes a Vietnam Vet! Very true One of those is my younger brother. Next determined those Veterans who were awarded the Vietnam Service ribbon. We had a dustoff attached to us. I and other merchant marine did. Even if his job depended on them doing theirs well. Porier was firing from the north, while the three Cobras choppers were engaged the sappers trying to kill me. The roar was deafening; through the shattered windshield, I saw the truck go out of control. I concur with the 610,000 as the 850,000 remaining vets have been used for years and would be much lower by now. However, like it or not, the U.S. government makes the final decisions on who is officially considered a war veteran and thats really the way it HAS to be. one of the ships i sailed on had a captain that was drunk for 5 months. Approximately 7,500 women were stationed in Vietnam during the war. I appreciate the fact that I Sam in the combat group that won the war against the communist rabble during their Tet Offensive in 1968. Motherfucker? Combat veterans will share their experiences with other veterans especially combat veterans (CIB). Im still here after all the BS of AO has really messed up my life with illnesses, surgeries ect since 1975, noting problems while I was in Vietnam in 69, and confirmed. ONLY Vietnam Vets are separated into two categories. Vietnam era vets are not the same as Vietnam vets, but they are important. My question, How many guys are I still alive refers to the ones who were in direct combat action? Of the nearly 3Mil that served, only one in twelve were in fire fights. We and they generally slept in the same bunks in the same tent if we werent up on call during the night. We have been betrayed by all Globalists. According to Department of Veterans Affairs' projections, Vietnam Veteran deaths will hit 103,890 this year, about 285 a day. We may never know who actually served and were in country during the fight. But as to how many of us have died since then, I havent a clue. Check out this post and see if you can figure this out. Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska. So, I must be a VN Vet and VN Era Vet and Cold War Era Vet but not a Cold War Vet because I never got anywhere near the USSR. Exiting the jungle, still at the foot of the mountain opposite from my defenses; the mountains bulk acted as a radio barrier between help from S3 at Enari or the SFs at the Ville. During the Vietnam War, Air Force C-123 planes sprayed millions of gallons of herbicides over the jungles of Southeast Asia to destroy enemy crops and tree cover. 2010-11-24 14:32:32. Thank you in advance! to Ken Drombosky This is a reasonable number but you get very different notions of the death rate when you compare 800,000 to 2.7 million versus 800,000 out of 9.2 million. Another long time friend served on the Riverine Force actually served on John Kerrys boat and is mentioned prominently in his book, told me stories about being ambushed, as those boats made a lot of noise. I can smell a fake and phony 10 seconds after we meet !!!!! Do I count as one or three Vietnam Veterans? to 1984 approx. Other than guard duty i was not in combat but the perimeter at Long Binh was regular defoliated and we experienced rocket and mortar attacks. All opinions graciously welcomed. Antonia Leonard is an education expert who has dedicated her life to helping students achieve their academic goals. The 30 September 2007 Veterans Administration estimate places the daily deaths of WWII US veterans at 1,000 per day. take a look at my article titled a pale smoke google it . The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 530 Vietnam veterans die every day. More than 300,000 Veterans were wounded during the Vietnam War. Age: 77. This is a suicide rate of 1 EVERY 65-80 minutes (APPROX). Also, some do not consider those who served in Thailand as Vietnam Vets. I flew with the 220th Aviation Company (Cat Killers) in 1968. More than 8 million people served in uniform during Vietnam and those who are alive are typically in their 60s and 70s. The 9 million was the total number of people in the military during 64-75 . I am unsure of how many Native peoples joined the US marine corps and volunteered for combat duties. You were in Combat!!! References:https://www.americanwarlibrary.com/personnel/vietvet.htmhttps://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/26/science/how-many-vietnam-veterans-are-still-alive.htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_War, The Armys FY 2023 budget request is ~$177.5 Billion. We havent forgotten that time of our lives, and remember full well, that most of these ERA Vets joined these other branches in a desperate attempt to avoid service in Vietnam. None of us could have done our job without the support of troops around the globe. This situation has been an issue for years longer than any of us has been around. My cousin was with the 82nd and was there when the TET offensive happened. Arne Fuller, Tucson AZ. Spot on. but i was happy to serve. even when i went out with the airforce on resupply to fire bases. About 30000 Canadians came into the us to join up. Currently, it is estimated with data provided by the United States Census Bureau, that there about 100,000 Oregon Vietnam era veterans alive today. Due to TCDD among other toxic substances, we are dying off faster than other American men born between 1944-1950. Born in 1953, he joined the US Marine Corps at the age of 15 and was sent to Vietnam where he served as a machine gunner. He showed me his DD214 and low and behold it says he was in Vietnam. Peter: 67N2F, 119th AHC 68-69. Question Two. Thats sad and should stop. The last three I knew had lost a lot of weight, two had each lost a lung. Did your foot ever touch the ground? He was drafted and qualified for Helicopter pilot school. Avoiding the specifics & particulars is a sign of fraud or a deeply disturbed relationship to their past. Almost 1500 died their last day. Heres my article about Canadians who fought in Vietnam: https://cherrieswriter.com/2015/11/13/lost-to-history-the-canadians-who-fought-in-vietnam/. The number of Vietnam veterans affected by the chemical Agent Orange is astonishing. I know . Its possible that the youngest living Vietnam Veteran may be 61 years old. Some where along the way after returning home & towards, if not after the end of involvement, the number Id heard/read was 5 million US military served. According to the American War Library website, it was concluded by the Department of Defense that their best estimate is that between 2,709,918 and 3,173,845 GIs served in Vietnam and its surrounding waters between the years 1954 and 1975. I was there in 1969. I dont have a CIB to show for it, but I most certainly was in combat. So I was in the Army National Guard during the Iraq War, So I guess I am An Iraq War Veteran. If you were in Vietnam, you were exposed to Agent Orange, period. I was there in 69-71 also sprayed Im 74, inlisted 1968 spent 2 tours in Vietnam Im now 73, Comments left by my fellow Vietnam vets are very useful. Perhaps the reason for guys is that there were times we had to drink out of bomb craters that were in areas sprayed with Agent Orange. Bien Hoa & Phu Bai, two badly polluted areas! The politicians and fake news along with the Berkeley professors lost it for the American people after that. Some advisors embassy guards, but all combat units left. it was printed in the ny times and cherries writer. I was the first male born to the Puccetti family after his death, so my parents received permission to name their son after Dante. My demons were better left alone and buried away after two tours back to back. Each BUFF had 6 crewmen onboard. With the Americal after I got back I had maps. I would not believe the NYT. But having a CIB does not exclude or diminish in any way the experiences or accomplishments of others, like you, and the wearer of the badge has no right to judge what any other man faced. I have done lots of research, read a bunch of historical history, and met and talked to well over 1000 NAM VETS !!!!! According to the American War Library, as of February 28, 2019, it is estimated that approximately 610,000 Americans who served in land forces during the Vietnam War or in air missions over Vietnam between 1954 and 1975 are still alive to this day. Records the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. Believe it or not, I still have every pay voucher..and in 1967 Hazard Duty Pay was $65. As soon as I was wounded, I was thrown into a world that I was alone! Div., 67-68. We all bleed red. It is difficult to say how many Vietnam veterans have been affected by Agent Orange. I think 9+ million total in US military service during the peak years of the Vietnam War and 2.6 2.7 million in Nam and its waters and air space is right. 101st Airborne Division, 1969-70 And, if you think 75% of actual Vietnam Vets (especially after Covid, and more than 50 years of time) are still alive, youre kidding yourself. You are certainly a Vietnam Vet, and I know the danger that you were in As an Infantry (CIB) Sgt I spent part of my second tour with the 97th Trans out of Cam Rahn Bay, they operated @28 LCUs hauling projectiles up those rivers, always a risky business. I have spoken at many VETS EVENTS, and done interviews with the media .. Never get tired of people telling me Thank You for your service, and absolutely love hearing WELCOME HOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We did what we felt needed doing. I do appreciate what they did, from the hero medevacs to those gun ships who flew into madness to help save our asses knowing that mortar rounds fall from above, RPGs & macjine gun rounds were in mass supply with the moniker attached To whom it may concern. By the time I got to vin long the nva was gone and Charlie was pretty much non existent, he new we had snakes, the closest I got to him was when I was on the perimeter waiting for him to crawl thru the wire. 240 300 World. According to the American War Library, as of February 28, 2019, it is estimated that approximately 610,000 Americans who served in land forces during the Vietnam War or in air missions over Vietnam between 1954 and 1975 are still alive to this day. I changed emails and cant reach you!! After 20 some years of filing claims and multiple appeals (DAV advocate,) have given up on the VA. Do I count as a real Vietnam vet? the merchant marine needed every officer and sailor they could find. at DaNang If we came in they set up tents to sleep in and had a big blivet bag for a shower. The site is owned and run by a crook and charlatan named (?) The VA sent out a news release on March 29th, 2022, entitled DISABILITY COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO VIETNAM WAR VETERANS. It included the following line, which should put this question to rest. According to the American War Library, as of February 28, 2019, it is estimated that approximately 610,000 Americans who served in land forces during the Vietnam War or in air missions over Vietnam between 1954 and 1975 are still alive to this day. Im glad you made it back! If you are a pretender go stand in front of the mirror and tell that lie one more time so you can watch yourself steal the respect from an actual COMBAT VETERAN A/3/22 3rd Brigade 4th ID Dau Tieng 12/66 to 1/68. was i a veteran? I think The NY Times has conflated he number of Viet Nam veterans with those who served in the military during the years 1960-1975. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. after spending 1968 with 3/25 0f 2nd field forces and 1970 with the 1/12 cav. The artillery, Helo crews, combat engineers, in Vietnam are also considered Combat Vets, Well, I guess it just did not count for us Huey Teams (Sky Angels) supporting infantry/artillery units by flying in to lay down suppression fire, flying you into hot LZs, taking you out of the boonies, bringing you ammo and supplies, flying the wounded and dead back to base camp, not to mention Huey night Hawk missions to rectify an enemy ambush for our infantry that would be pinned down with no hope of survival. The amount of compensation a Vietnam War veteran can receive varies depending on their individual circumstances, such as their disability rating and the number of dependents they have. 101st Airborne Division 69-70 Air medals say combat support flying night spook missions around Haiphong from 68 -71. What is left of them is in Davis Monthan AFB, Tucson, and they still smell today. 1st cav div. So, when we talk about Vietnam vets who are living or dead, we should be talking STRICTLY about Vets who participated in the Vietnam War. There is a bird in India that says Did you Do it? I do not know how many others served with us. (1st time to operate a river boat 2nd time to evacuate injured Marines. Jul 1971-19 Dec 1971) 29th CA Co, XXIV Corps (Danang). Anyone who served during or because of The Vietnam War IS a Vietnam War Veteran. All the millions of other Vietnam Era Veterans are Cold War Veterans. Peter my husband is now deceased but he was a door gunner with the 191 st AHC Bounty Hunters (gunships), Very good. YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data. Waiting for a slight pause in the clamor in my ear, I decided to escape towards the cover of the Bush. so if you wore chinos instead of camo you are not a veteran? I was thinking that in 10 days I would be on R&R in Taipei, Formosa. These numbers have come about due to the extensive research of various mortality indexes and sources by the American War Library which concluded that about one-third of those who served in the Vietnam War are still alive today. 31 sets of brothers are on the Wall. If one in ten saw sustained combat, then there may be as little as 60,000 of us left! This answer is: I had encountered a learning experience, and inspirational contact with the celestial. He earned 38 military decorations during his career, and has been called the most decorated U.S. soldier of the Vietnam War. However, he did not return to the United States until March 22, 1979. Sorry for your loss of your loved one. I had a Swedish citizen in AIT, with orders to go to Vietnam. Combat veteran means far more than having a CIB. Jorge Otero Barreto. It was also projected that, from here, 138,000 Vietnam veterans are expected to die each year. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Last one left was about 15 to 20 years ago. An AK found its target in my thigh. Age 20y 11mo. Likewise, drafted Sep 66, Vietnam Aug 67-Aug 68, and Im 75. I served in Vietnam from Jul 68 to Jul 69. My time stands still. But I guess I knew where I was if we were at a base. I think I know the answer but like youjust being picky. It was a free-fire zone, and a nearby flight of gunships was engaged in shooting up the western valley. The insistence to include Vietnam-ErA vets with those who served in-country results in a ridiculous skew to any meaningful stats. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. After Tet it was quiet. For a mile or so the road cut through the jungle like a tunnel; the vegetation brushing against the sides and roof hid what lurked in the shadows. The book by Hal Moore & Joe Galloway We were soldiers once, and young describe what many of us experienced. Here are two additional sources of information (added 9-3-2022) updated in 2021: https://www.americanwarlibrary.com/personnel/vietvet.htmhttps://news.va.gov/89450/vietnam-war-veterans-honoring-served-memorial-day-2021/. In January 1945, the Bn was attached to the 3d Infantry Division near the Colmar Pocket, south of The Bulge. We didnt make it on shore very often but I still feel I was in VietNam. As stated in the previous post I too can spot a fake in 10 seconds. I always felt this was the maximal danger of the trip. for most of it i listened but not wanting to interfere. if you read up on it you will see that ww2 merchant sailors were despised as cowards. All Lawyer adds is for 2 percent, do you think that this was a greater risk for Cancer. Been there, seen it, did it. On this Memorial Day 2021, VA honors their service and recommits itself to . What report or reference confirms it? They term era should be shit canned. Excellent questions. Same aircraft were used and were not cleaned before spraying anything else. How Many Vietnam War Veterans Are Still Alive? three years on and off in vietnam . There is a MOUNTAIN of difference in each s experience, combat veterans, those of us who lived and died in the jungle muck, snippers, booby traps, mortar attacks, and the battles with dozens killed and scores wounded. question. Served at Quang Tri Combat Base )QTCB) 71-72) Same here. Thirty one sets of parents lost two of their sons. Interesting, no way is 75 percent f real vets are alive today? A number 1/2 the peak, say 250,000 still seems high but would come closer to 3,000,000 number serving. My spirit was above my body and I was looking down at myself bouncing around in the drivers side. Has every CIB wearer actually done that? Or did you spend 24/7 365 days in the boat? to believe, losing nearly 711,000 between '95 and '00. That was our regimen along the Cambodian border, too. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In the enormity of the cosmos, Vietnam is inconsequential, covered over by days dust! I to served two tours 67-68 and 69-70,first with 1st of 8th cav. Agent Orange is a Herdicide. This trip always was a concern, because I would be in a vulnerable condition in Indian Country with only two surveyors alone in a ton jeep. I struck a tree and rebounded into the open again still a sitting duck. My husband was also a door gunner (191st AHC gunship) but he was there later than you (70-71). Most likely Les considers those who werent in-country as REMFs. 4-39th, 9th Div. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". I raised my left leg and body up and pushed off that knee with my left hand. Later, and Welcome Home to all Vietnam Veterans!!! i served and i was affected like nearly every other person who spent time there. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. it is much easier to say who was not. I read a statistic somewhere that one in seven where in actual combat. I would hope they are considered Vietnam combat Vets. As well, those who served in Thailand in late 1973-1975 are often looked down upon as not being real Vietnam Veterans. We are, as we helped conduct many support missions in the region, helped with draw assist during the fall of Cambodia, S. Vietnam and Laos. Bob Kerrey. These numbers were not included since these service members were far removed from combat experience and did not spend any amount of time in harms way. i do not remember the moss but the went on quite a while. To not count us is disrespecting us who also answered the call. Good disxussiin. They are paying on Melathion settlements (Watch TV, and it as on 2 to 3% purity, used inside US) There are no living Veterans that I know of. The exact percentage of surviving Vietnam War veterans is not known, but it is estimated to be around 25% of the total number of veterans who served during the war. Those experiences vs the ones of the rear echelons are grossly different. This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. I flew as a crew chief / door gunner from dec 12 th 1965 till dec 15th 1967,I may not have had my boots on the ground out side the wire but we flew close air support , every time you grunts got your ass in a sling we were there to help you, i was on old B model gun ships low and slow ,I was shot down three times, so i dont think your cib means that much to me. so the cia men who changed from suits were not vietnam veterams when they went into laos and cambodia? Not sure what to think about the article. I was in 1st Battalion 26 th Infantry HMP 1st Infantry Division in 68 November 68 to January 69. Our medic gave them out every Monday. for myself, being bored sometimes, and anxious to see and do more, i volunteered and went on a number of supply missions to the fire bases. off the ship i went out with airforce on resupply, went out with troops through rubber plantations, ran from gunfire in saigon and chulon. @Dea KellyWere you on the ground when this happened? Overall, the death rate of Vietnam veterans seems to be rather consistent if not better than other people their same age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But serving in any capacity in Vietnam makes that service person a War vet. i agree with many who feel that a private who served his time in new jersey is not a vietnam vet. i was not a supporter of the war but i did my job. in ww2 more merchant men were killed than all the services combined until june 6, 1944. and they were civilians. i know what a combat veteran is. One moment is eternity- the next may never!. The total number of is estimated at 2.8 million US veterans who were exposed to the poisonous chemical while serving and later died. One count should be those Vietnam Veterans who had feet on the ground. NO! How many Vietnam veterans died from Agent Orange? Far as Im concerned, they are all Vietnam Vets and this devisiness should STOP! They were smokers. I am an Era vet, and the closest I got was R&R in Thailand. It takes military personnel to support the troops on ground or ships in war territory waters. I can tell you that those who served in Thailand should definitely be considered Vietnam Vets. DamnIll be 76 in March. If they reply that they do not talk about their experiences They are not Combat Veterans maybe not even Vietnam Veterans. She is also a strong advocate for equal opportunity, and she works tirelessly to ensure that all students have access to quality education regardless of their socioeconomic status or race. as soon as it was ammo or arms, we were machine gunned where ever we went. I served 2 tours late 1966 to late July 1968, TET and the rest as an infantry platoon sgt Also served in Korea 1963 and considered a Korean war vet as that war has never ended. The U.S. military has estimated that between 200,000 and 250,000 South Vietnamese soldiers died. As the Department of Veterans Affairs studies, each day over 20 veterans take their own lives. serveved in nam 67 to 68 and 69 to 70. both tours in the 1st cav. Interesting and certainly thought-provoking. His combat medal was an Air Medal. I signed up for it in 2018 at the VA Hospital in Buffalo.
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