Hi, Dad was the Army 1960-1964, and in Viet Nam in some of those years. I don't think it was a war yet, is it still called Viet Nam or is it Viet Kong? Are the tours 2 years?
The standard tour was one year. some served more than one tour. Vietnam veterans always refer to the war, and don't use the word conflict. That word "conflict" was a lot of the problem which resulted in discrimination to Vietnam veterans. i.e. returning war vet were denied membership to veteran's organizations.
I didn't know you were a medic in Nam. I was also. At a casualty staging group on DaNang air base (AKA rocket city). We staged and loaded planes taking injured vets out of the area. (60 to 120 per day) What was the time frame you served there?
I was there late 73-74. I was actually station in Thailand but that was classified as part of the theater and within a year they official said it was over.
Bob joined the Army and served his country during the Vietnam War. He and his lifelong friend, Chuck Swenson, both in Army Intelligence, managed communications behind enemy lines.
Vietnam was the "theatre of operations" Viet Cong were the enemy soldiers/army our troops fought. As stated previously, 1 yr was a standard deployment. You should be able to contact the VA to have his records pulled, and it may be too late, but he should qualify for a burial with military honors. Very sorry for your loss. Yet another goes on permanent watch.
It has not come up, thank you for mentioning it. If I were handling the show it would be different. I did however find a Medallion Benefit I'm looking into. Just sad his Military pic and uniform medallions were lost. I knew exactly where they were til we moved in 86', then he moved again after I was grown and gone.
Unfortunately, the pic may be lost to history, but with VA records, the medallion may be able to be replaced. Perhaps WeldrDave could help more than I can on this. Also, people frequently have different priorities, makes it rough under these circumstances. We're here for you always.
Just sad like Larry touched on above, not a good reception after getting home. Hates Jane Fonda, he's laughing in heaven tonight, she was arrested today. I remember he was driving us back from a family vacation in CA when I was a kid in the mid 70's, he put a beach towel over the back windows in the van so wife and kids could sleep while he drove. He was pulled over. Cop let him go but called him a hippie and told him to not come back. WTF?!?!?! Unfortunate the cop was presumptious and the beach towel he put up was red/white stripes hung sideways. How insulting. He's been quite proud of his service now since the last decade or so, WTG Dad !!! (his wife had alot to do with that I bet )
I called the VA, they sent me forms for a Medallion for his urn and his service record. His wife said she arranged for flag from the VFW I apologize I don't know the formal terms but hope you understand my words.
Hi wildwest , Sorry I'm late here I was very busy all day yesterday. It seems you have all the answers you need above. I'm very sorry and salute your Father!!! I can't speak a lot about the Vietnam war only because I wasn't there but did have 2 Brothers there. My next to oldest Brother was there for 3 tours. Neither one "ever" spoke of it. I'm Glad you reached out to the VA, as Chaz stated, they can be tough to deal with and sometimes it's better to drive to the local office in your area and deal with them face to face. If you need anymore help or assistance, just yell. PM me or call, I'll do what ever I can.
I read your dad's obituary on FB. Thanks for sharing. Looked like he really enjoyed life. Our prayers for y'all
He is a Vietnam Vet. Be sure to ask the V.A. for a veteran's tombstone for him. You have to ask--they won't do it automatically. And ask them about any death benefits too. https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/279
wildwest For your Father. . Many thanks for his service. Sorry for your loss. Always remember the good times. If he was anything like my Father he would not talk about it no matter how many questions he was asked. Dad just smiles and walks away.
