Mr. Ryerson, having served with the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, Crew Chief/Doorgunner on the UH-1C Mad Dog Gunships, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this respectful video in tribute to all of us that were the "Man In The Door." I hope your friend made it out alive and I would like to say to you, WELCOME HOME, BROTHER and thank you for your service to our country when so many others ran and hid.
Very pleased to find a photo from the 135th AHC (EMU) made its way into this excellent video (@14 sec). The man's name was Noel Shipp, Royal Australian Navy. KIA 31 May 1969.
SEMPER FI to all my MARINE Brothers, Air Crew, Grunts, Recon or REMFS....we're all connected by one thing, we're MARINES. We earned the title, it wasn't given to us!!!!!
I was born in January of 68 so obviously all my knowledge of the Vietnam war is either a childhood blur or the histories that I read after the fact or from Vietnamese kids who were fortunate enough to make it over here and attend school with me but this poem brings a better understanding to me of what the servicemen went through, the emotions that are scorched into ones psyche. Thanks. Nice bit of literature...
I served in Ulster (Northern Ireland) this is my native country and the land in which I was born. I served as a British soldier defending my country from the IRA.
Helicopters played a massive role in our duty and we were often thankful to see a lynx gazelle, puma or Wessex fly in and lift our asses.
Soldiers the world over have a bond between them inseparable by bombs or bullets and I empathise with you fully sir.
My Dad was gunner at the door .Hella proud of him not happy he killed but he Saved His Men that what i am proud of him for.As a native American he took our family proud.TO HIM THANK YOU DAD.ALL MY RELATIONS .wADO
Nicely done, brother man. These words will carry just like you guys toted the wounded, mail, ammo, batteries, rice and kimchee (for the ROK troops) and us, in and out. The blade flap of the Huey is forever. Your writing is forever, too.
I always thought helicopter crews were crazy to go in when the LZ was hot but man, you guys were like angels to us when you came to take us out of the jungle. The wounded sure did. And those pilots, man, some gutsy dudes. They had my respect. You all did. You all did a hell of a dangerous job. No one who was in combat can ever forget the sight of those birds coming in. I salute all of you.
My brother, 7 years older than I, was a door gunner. He came back with a purple heart and not much to say. This helps me to understand some of what he faced. Thanks.
@MIDNIGHT1633 Well Richie, This piece celebrates a kind of heroism we have too often overlooked. No one would argue a grunt's eye view of combat is a miserable existence. But few would argue that the one image we all brought back from Vietnam was of a guy braced in an open doorway with a swivelgun and a smile. I think it is a mistake to try to turn it into a pissing contest.
DOOR GUNNERS HAD BALLS BUT THERE WASNT ONE THAT WOULD HAVE CHANGED PLACES WITH A GRUNT. FOR I WAS A GRUNT WITH 1/27TH WOLFHOUNDS 25TH ID 69/70 AND I KNOW FROM WHICH I SAY. PERIOD
READ "Vietnam: No Regrets": TO GET A FEEEL FOR WHAT WE DID FOR A LIVING VNVET.COM
DOOR GUNNERS HAD BALLS NO DOUGHT, BUT LETS TELL IT LIKE IT REALLY WAS AND THAT IS THERE WASN'T ONE DOOR GUNNER THAT WOULD HAVE CHANGED PLACES WITH ONE OF US GRUNTS, PERIOD. BEING A GRUNT WAS BYFARE THE MOST DANGEROUS JOB THERE WAS IN COUNTRY, ESPECIALLY US RECON TROOPERES. READ "Vietnam: No Regrets" TO GET A FEEL FOR WHAT US GRUNTS DID FOR A LIVING, SO LONG AGO. RICHIE WATKINS 1/27TH WOLFHOUNDS 25TH ID 69/70
My father was a pilot in Vietnam. I met a man on a plane who told me to show him this. I've met many soldier that told me that he was one of the angles who watch over them. To my father every hot HZ was his last ,but being a soldier he went on with his gunner watching the sides. I guess is missions of war that made him my hero.
If it wasn't for the tenacity and balls the chopper jockeys and gunners had to come in and pick up our 4 or 5 man LRP teams from hell I would not be typing this right now. Thank you is just not enough. I salute you all for your service and your courage.
Thanks Michael ! That was Nam. I flew slicks in the Army 1970-71, II Corps, with the 134th AHC. This brings back good memories, not of war, for war has no good memories. But of The Men we fought with. Of the way we covered each other's backs. The camaraderie. The living thru the best and the worst times of our life together. Thanks for your poignant words to help us remember.
A friend sent me this video. It took me back to RVN. 6X WIA in I Corps as a Marine Infantry teenager. Those choppers were a blessing and a curse. They dropped us into the hell of flying metal and they returned to scoop us up. They got us killed being mortar magnets and gave away out positions. I member being pushed out of one that never landed for the bullets and grabing the tail gate of another as it near left me in the dark. But nothing like boarding gaining distance leaving the Hell of Combat
Thank you for the memories. As a grunt, I sometimes envied the pilots, but in the end, I grew to respect them for the many times they risked their lives to save ours. Welcome Home.
I'm ashamed of my generation's demeanor towards Vietnam, I speak for the countless teenagers who are overwhelmingly honored by your sacrifice, myself included. I cannot put our gratitude into words. Thank you for your service, and God bless you.
Very Very Touching.. I can see through my eyes the way you had described.
Don`t know what to say. Good thing is end of the coldwar, bad thing is Islamic Militancy is on the rise. May Russia & USA come together for a better t`row.
me growing up in the late 60ties and early 70ties seeing this on tv I was just amazed by the fact that these guys where still going out in the jungle even knowing that it was useless. They did way way more than expected and I can only have the deepest respect for them.(and for the troll's among us: i'm pretty sure that there where as******le's among the fighting man, but they are everywhere)
Jesus, the worst part of this is how the troops were treated after coming home, they had been lifted out of the slaughter and brought back home only to find protesters that hated everything about them. They were treated like terrorists after fighting as a hero.
Softail005 is a sickening hypocrite. He obviously doesn’t know who John Paul Vann was. J.P.V. was MACV Senior Advisor up until his death in 1972. HIS biography spells out the whole situation, with NO sugar coating. Noncombatant villagers who were 95% of the RSVN population, were slaughtered from the air in their millions.
Dear Michael, this is the most powerful shit I have ever layed witness to. I will never know what it was really like back in those jungles but hearing you tell this moving, awesome recollection art piece is likely the closest I will ever feel to knowing what it may have been like.
Air crews aren't respected much these days. In Vietnam we took three times the casualties of the Marine grunts. It's nice to see someone expressed their appreciation in this manner. Not that we didn't know the grunts appreciated us. It's just nice to have this affirmation.
Outstanding video, I'd like to see another. If you're interested I can supply a number of original helicopter and war shots as I was a combat photographer with 3rd MarDiv, 1969, I'm putting together a YouTube of some of them. Reply here and I'll find a way to make contact so we both don't get flamed.
@HotLandingZone Thanks but truth be told, I supplied the words and the voice recording, 'Sgt Grit' put the video together. I can always be reached through IWVPA, look for me in the index of authors, there's an email link along with a half dozen other short pieces.
@HML367 Mike, I talked to Mark Byrd. He's going to try and get Scarface Web site up and running again. There are costs involved. Brad Ryti built it but has been out of action following some very serious medical/health issues. I'm alive today thanks to Scarface & other fearless Marine/Army/AirForce aviators and doorgunners who put it on the line to pull us out of Prairie Fire/Daniel Boone/Nickel Steel targets. Thanks for your service. Good poem. J. Meyer RT Idaho Phu Bai/CCN
I was the man in the doorway. It was my deck, I never said no. I was the target on a that green bird, my brothers were beat, bloody and sometimes resting forever, but we would get there. Grab the plastic, and a fist full of H harness. My brother is aboard, I need more. I don't know them but now they are my souls. I will protect them with fire and with eyes. they need me now. failure is an option, but not accepted. My souls on board are all that matter....Sir, clear to port. let's go.
@karlkarlkarl1234 People only have to look at your home page karl and then look at your comment history and they will see who you support in this world, and how you have a DEEP hatred for your own people, some people would even call you a Traitor, but in a FREE country you are allowed to support the enemy.
Yeah coming from a 30 year old man who sits on YT all day trolling for men half his age to try and "meet up with", sending pictures of yourself half-naked and spamming their accounts daily,,,,,
@karlkarlkarl1234 Isn't that what you do all day karl? I mean you spend all day on YT and any other blog site you can preaching your support for Hamas and their activities, I mean you even believe Hamas has hardly killed anyone and the few they have killed is of no consequence, while telling anyone who will listen how good Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and regime is something to be admired.
So let's get this straight, you are 30 years old, you love military things and talking about war, your hobbies include stalking younger males on YouTube and sending them sexually explicit PMs and pictures of yourself......
@karlkarlkarl1234 Oh karl is getting desperate now, look how low your mind is sinking karlkarlkarl1234, its ok though karl I will be around for A LONG time yet to keep our dialogue going, its nice how you don't answer the question about why you are calling ALL American service men and woman Traitors, Hired killers who steal oil and make themselves rich during their service, you said these things yet good old karl just resorts to abuse.
@karlkarlkarl1234 So you are 15 then? but I thought you said you were a Biologist and a Scientist, or are these more lies like the rest of the garbage you spew on youtube, Still this comment of yours is the best because here you call ALL fighting men and woman, Tratiors, Hired killers who steal oil and make themselves rich during their service, take my comment how ever you like kaarl because it makes you no less a FOOL.
My biggest fear is being 30 and sitting on the internet stalking other younger people. Hopefully by then I will have found my higher purpose in life and spend every minute pursuing it. Maybe you haven't found yours yet? Or maybe you don't have one?
@karlkarlkarl1234 One only has to look at your youtube activity to see karl that YOU DO spend all your time on the internet stalking blogs with your vile opinions and abusing many many people along the way, and lets face it you have found your HIGHER purpose as you see it and that is to educate the world in 'how all things should be according to karl' and if their is any dissent from the masses...... abuse them.
Thank you for sharing this with every one, it held a special meaning for me as I was one of the men in the door I was a crew chief on a dust off in 69-70
This guy is truly inspiring, cuz i want to join the marines and my only worry is becoming crazy in a war or somehthing, and he seems normal enouph to live a good life. RIght?
Pity that the marine no longer fight for the American constitution and the American people but are rather hired killers for those who want to steal oil from other nations and further their own maniacal ends. In fact I woulod go so far as to say the American Army is currently fighting against the American constitutiin.
@karlkarlkarl1234 Its always the scum bags like this little BOY who have never worn a uniform that write stupid unintelligent comments like this about hundreds and thousands of men and woman who join up for their country without a thought about what the GOVERMENT of the day is undertaking, and this little fool seems to imply all of these people are Tratiors, Hired killers who steal oil and make themselves rich during their service, karl you fool its the Govt that makes war not the soldier.
In the image of the flight cabin in scene 3:02 there is smthg that looks like a magnifying glass w crosshairs above the co pilots head. Is that a reticle for fixed weaponry?
Excellent. As a flight medic with DUSTOFF it is greatly appreciated by mentioning us. Oft times we forget what we did. Some regret it, others like me were happy to do waht we did. You the grunt, the Marine, the Soldier are the ones that we did it for. We could not leave someone on the ground and wounded. We had to have your wounded.
Hml/a 167 marble mountain boys! Here is a current crewchief aboard the uh1n. Cant tell you how much this makes me proud to serve! Listen to the sound of that SEXY Whop-Whop. Always gives me chills
Major respect..... My papaw was in the 3/60th 9th infantry. All ive heard is good things from him about chopper pilots, door gunners, an the dust off crews. If it wasnt for these guys he wouldnt have got out alive.
Thank you for this Marine Rierson. My Marine friend Hal was an Ugly Angel crew chief then door gunner. One of the finest men I've known next to my dad - WWII Dec. 10, 1941-Oct. 17,1946 US Army - N. Africa, corsica, France, Rhein, etc. I am grateful for all you and others did in Viet Nam. For your friends or for us back home - it doesn't matter, you did well and you did more than enough. Thanks - Peace
I am not a Trooper. Never faught in any war! But my respect for any G.I. that served- My respect? Nah...Our Love is all they need. They've earned all the respect within "Rank". But our love is needed! My uncle, (nam66'- 71') never uttered a word about "The Hell" till 1987... (Pilot) Robert C. George told just one story that night. "We were shot down- Scooted to a log for cover and my copilots face was shot in half! Dead! Gone! We Were Silent and the chat changed to sports... Luv2GI's
Thank you. To all VietnamVets; thank you for your service to our Nation and WELCOME HOME. From the proud son of a US Army Aviator that served a tour in Vietnam with the 'Rattlers' '65-'66.
@jvn1111 According to August 2009 "Vietnam Magazine" article 7,014 Hueys served in Vietnam and 3,301 were destroyed. 1,132 pilots KIA and 1,191 not pilot crew KIA. Overall 12,054 helicopters served with 5,602 destroyed. 40,000 heli pilots served with 2,192 killed and 2,717 non pilots killed. The biggest heli losses were 1868 and 1969 with 1,059 and 1,076 respectively lost. Article does not cite source of statistics.
Michael, what imagry! I can't fathom how you cats did it, the gunners, crew chiefs, Huey drivers, seemingly always stoic. But, of course, we could not tiptoe into your dreams.
@hotcha9 WE did it because of this! "When a Marine in Vietnam is wounded, surrounded, hungry, low on ammunition or water, he looks to the sky. He knows the choppers are coming..."
Leonard F. Chapman General, USMC Commandant of the Marine Corps
Michael, what imagry! I can't fathom how you cats did it, the gunners, crew chiefs, Huey drivers, seemingly always stoic. But, of course, we could not tiptoe into your dreams.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
The people of vietnam did not have a tour of duty they had to live that shit raise their kids in it survive every day in it where are all the pomes to their horror as they saw this death from above are we suposed to feel sorrow for you and not them as you run away after butchering some village and for what ?
I'm sick of arrogant morons like you who think you have all the answers to life. You have no idea what it was really like over there. Just biased news reports that ignore what was really happening.99 % of the butchering was done by the VC and NVA. Where's your empathy for the millions who died after we abandoned them ? Or for the millions who died in Cambodia .You're just another brainwashed talking head. keep drinking that Kool aid.Just another "keyboard hero" !!!
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
oh right as a posed to been a real hero rambo style who walks into another mans house and shoots his wife and children because they dont see things your way wow and who suported pol pot yea but of course im the brain washed 1 and instead of been ashamed you guys writh pomes to shout of your deeds and shake eachothers hands in cyber space and i dont drink cool aid no one out side the states drinks that toxic crap.
@karlkarlkarl1234 karl knows very little about what he is saying he gets his info from conspiracy theory websites and them tries to preach to everyone that it is the truth, he is just one of those foolish weak minded young people who have yet to learn about the world.
@softail005 True. and i'm sick of hearing that we lost vietnam. We won from a miltary standpoint, and then setup a cease-fire then pulled out. The NVA broke it and overran the South.
@softail005 The VC did not kill 4-6 million Vietnamese.
The dropping of triple the tonnage of bombs dropped by all warring powers of World War Two by America, inflicted most of that slaughter. The balance was //unspotted// ARVN artillery fired into RSVN villages, then the ground actions.
It was CIA that funded Pol Pot into power from his very start, ditto for the overthrowing of the Laos king in favor of a mass murdering warlord.
centurion180ad And what year, outfit and location did you serve ? What does all this left wing BS have to do with honoring men who put their lives on the line ?
@softail005 FACTS are A-political. EVERYTHING in my post is researched, and FACTUAL. I saw your Highest Rated Comment where you wrote, “I’m sick of arrogant morons like you who think you have all the answers.” YOU are being an asshole, and YOU don’t have all the answers. As to my service I was 1980s Cold War, my particulars are none of your business.
@centurion180ad Typical left wing factoids... They have nothing to do with the content of this video that honors MEN who served ! You are an asshole for trying to inject your politics into it ! IF YOU WEREN'T THERE, YOU DON"T KNOW THE REAL FACTS !!! So, shut up and stick your factoids where the sun don't shine.
@softail005 John Paul Vann biography was not published until AFTER the war, and it is the FACTS. I see your highest rated comments. You don't seem to mind spewing a bunch of LIES when it suits you for the You Tube audience, so I thought I'd reprint your lie "99% of the butchering was done by the VC and NVA."
That is a bunch of sick-O nonsense. Best own up to it. It was OUR and YOUR aerial bombardment of noncombatant targets that did the overwhelming majority of that War Crime .
@centurion180ad I refer you to my previous post and you can add John P Vann to it. i'm not going to waste anymore time helping you spew your bile on this post.
Very well done. Quite a contrast to a young Dan Rather who leaves his air conditioned in Saigon, runs around to get sweaty, rolls in dirt and does a report on how bad the war is going. The press in general are/ were the scum. Fools like happymana lap/lapped it up.
well done , well done , ive been in the sf and flown and relied on soldiers like this good on you mate thanks for doing this i cant explain to you how much i really dig this !! "STRIKE SWIFTLY"
PRO-COMMUNIST SENATOR "HANOI" JOHN KERRY SUPPORTS BRUTAL COMMUNIST VIETNAM BY KILLING VIETNAM HUMAN RIGHTS ACT IN THE SENATE.
He considers dirty money and economic ties with Vietnam much more important than democracy and human rights values. Consequently, Vietnam, has waged a new crackdown on democracy activists such as Father Nguyen van Ly and lawyers Nguyen van Dai and Le thi Cong Nhan, who were given unfair, harsh sentences of several years in prison for their democracy activities.
Godbless, this is very touching. My father is a Vietnam Vet and so are others who have touched my life so greatly. We will never be able to repay you what you gave for our country. Thank you.
58000 american lives were snuffed out for car tires
France colonized(invaded/took over) vietnam in the 1800's. by the early 1900's had VAST rubber tree plantations there
Michelling(FR)Goodyear(US)Firestone(US)Cooper(US) all desparately needed this rubber. why?..car/truck tires are made of rubber. google france, rubber, vietnam
I stated clear, verifiable FACTS. doesnt matter where Im sitting. I did my time in the military so I dont want to hear your Fox News brainwashing puking out of your keyboard keys
remember
Vietnam = RUBBER
Iraq = OIL
Afghanistan = NATURAL GAS, COPPER
do your own research instead of blindly asserting that everyone elses statements are "crap"
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
The US is in Iraq for oil. The oil companies get oil cheaper but still charge higher prices, making more money. It's people like you that think we are not there for oil because you pay too much for gas. Wake up.
If America had not involved the war, South Vietnam would have fallen into communism in 1954 and more Vietnamese would have been murdered in cultural revolutions like those launched by Mao in China (20 million deaths) and Khmer Rouge in Cambodia (2 millions)
Total Vietnamese democide by communists:1,040,000 (1975-87) by UNHCR
That was excellent! I was a slick & gunship pilot for the 1st Cav, and your tribute gives recognition to who I have always thought were unsung heroes of helicopter crews. The Crew Chiefs and Door Gunners. They flew the missions, and then worked hours afterwards performing maintenance, squaring the ships away, for the next mission. In this short paragraph, I can't begin to express my admiration and appreciation for the job that they did. BTW, the last pic is a 1st Cav UH1-C. Is it from a movie?
thanks bro, i know you guys cared, it's nice to hear it aloud. it's hard to share these feeling with ones who weren't there, i think you got it right. 1970 101st Avn, lancers & black widows
Oh, and thank you sgtgrit for sharing this!!! <3 <3 <3
awoowoowoo 1 week ago in playlist More videos from sgtgrit
Proud of all the vets and proud to be an American!!! Thank you for everything you did!!! <3 <3 <3
awoowoowoo 1 week ago in playlist More videos from sgtgrit
Mr. Ryerson, having served with the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, Crew Chief/Doorgunner on the UH-1C Mad Dog Gunships, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this respectful video in tribute to all of us that were the "Man In The Door." I hope your friend made it out alive and I would like to say to you, WELCOME HOME, BROTHER and thank you for your service to our country when so many others ran and hid.
MadDogs240thAHCVietn 1 month ago
In answer to several emails, yes I do have a blog...you can find it at...
passingthroughthemomentDOTwordpressDotcom
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
MichaelRyerson 2 months ago
Very pleased to find a photo from the 135th AHC (EMU) made its way into this excellent video (@14 sec). The man's name was Noel Shipp, Royal Australian Navy. KIA 31 May 1969.
HyTaipan 2 months ago
My whole family loves you soldiers...my brother is also one. Much respect.
ebonpaladin 2 months ago
Well Done Marine Michael Rierson - Good Form!
Blood Stains and Bullet Holes inside a Huey get your attention and you said it all!
rogerfurnival 3 months ago
"When a Marine in Vietnam is wounded, surrounded, hungry, low on ammunition or water, he looks to the sky. He knows the choppers are coming..."
Leonard F. Chapman General, USMC Commandant of the Marine Corps
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SEMPER FI to all my MARINE Brothers, Air Crew, Grunts, Recon or REMFS....we're all connected by one thing, we're MARINES. We earned the title, it wasn't given to us!!!!!
phrog46crewmmaf 4 months ago
I was born in January of 68 so obviously all my knowledge of the Vietnam war is either a childhood blur or the histories that I read after the fact or from Vietnamese kids who were fortunate enough to make it over here and attend school with me but this poem brings a better understanding to me of what the servicemen went through, the emotions that are scorched into ones psyche. Thanks. Nice bit of literature...
andrewcar68 4 months ago
I served in Ulster (Northern Ireland) this is my native country and the land in which I was born. I served as a British soldier defending my country from the IRA.
Helicopters played a massive role in our duty and we were often thankful to see a lynx gazelle, puma or Wessex fly in and lift our asses.
Soldiers the world over have a bond between them inseparable by bombs or bullets and I empathise with you fully sir.
Faugh A Ballagh (Clear the Way)
rosscopeeco69 5 months ago
have u read "chickenhawk" .........what a great book , its about chopper pilots in NAM
krisMcA82 5 months ago
My Dad was gunner at the door .Hella proud of him not happy he killed but he Saved His Men that what i am proud of him for.As a native American he took our family proud.TO HIM THANK YOU DAD.ALL MY RELATIONS .wADO
jamesc831 6 months ago
Nicely done, brother man. These words will carry just like you guys toted the wounded, mail, ammo, batteries, rice and kimchee (for the ROK troops) and us, in and out. The blade flap of the Huey is forever. Your writing is forever, too.
999gojoey 6 months ago
I always thought helicopter crews were crazy to go in when the LZ was hot but man, you guys were like angels to us when you came to take us out of the jungle. The wounded sure did. And those pilots, man, some gutsy dudes. They had my respect. You all did. You all did a hell of a dangerous job. No one who was in combat can ever forget the sight of those birds coming in. I salute all of you.
mrjforall 7 months ago 3
@mrjforall Thank You,, UH-1 CE/DG, 70-71! Tay Ninh
crusader7071 5 months ago
Get sum!
willvb13 7 months ago
Thanks
Spartan 12 - 190th AHC
davidpmays 7 months ago
A door gunner was one of the most dangerous jobs in the nam with an in flight life span of 11 min you have got to have some nuts
TheCrankman123 8 months ago
My brother, 7 years older than I, was a door gunner. He came back with a purple heart and not much to say. This helps me to understand some of what he faced. Thanks.
dep444 8 months ago 2
I had read some of Mr. Rierson's poen before. Well done. Welcome back to him.
LUGTrekGM 9 months ago
@MIDNIGHT1633 Well Richie, This piece celebrates a kind of heroism we have too often overlooked. No one would argue a grunt's eye view of combat is a miserable existence. But few would argue that the one image we all brought back from Vietnam was of a guy braced in an open doorway with a swivelgun and a smile. I think it is a mistake to try to turn it into a pissing contest.
MichaelRyerson 9 months ago 4
DOOR GUNNERS HAD BALLS BUT THERE WASNT ONE THAT WOULD HAVE CHANGED PLACES WITH A GRUNT. FOR I WAS A GRUNT WITH 1/27TH WOLFHOUNDS 25TH ID 69/70 AND I KNOW FROM WHICH I SAY. PERIOD
READ "Vietnam: No Regrets": TO GET A FEEEL FOR WHAT WE DID FOR A LIVING VNVET.COM
MIDNIGHT1633 9 months ago
@MIDNIGHT1633
MichaelRyerson 9 months ago
DOOR GUNNERS HAD BALLS NO DOUGHT, BUT LETS TELL IT LIKE IT REALLY WAS AND THAT IS THERE WASN'T ONE DOOR GUNNER THAT WOULD HAVE CHANGED PLACES WITH ONE OF US GRUNTS, PERIOD. BEING A GRUNT WAS BYFARE THE MOST DANGEROUS JOB THERE WAS IN COUNTRY, ESPECIALLY US RECON TROOPERES. READ "Vietnam: No Regrets" TO GET A FEEL FOR WHAT US GRUNTS DID FOR A LIVING, SO LONG AGO. RICHIE WATKINS 1/27TH WOLFHOUNDS 25TH ID 69/70
MIDNIGHT1633 9 months ago
And here I thought I was the only one that was scared. Good words..... thanks
paulvsharon 9 months ago
My father was a pilot in Vietnam. I met a man on a plane who told me to show him this. I've met many soldier that told me that he was one of the angles who watch over them. To my father every hot HZ was his last ,but being a soldier he went on with his gunner watching the sides. I guess is missions of war that made him my hero.
LeGiTnTUBER 9 months ago
MR. RYERSON, thank you for sharing your memorys. every single one of you who went to viet nam are hero's and my covers off to you... semper fi ..
timjessa1 9 months ago
If it wasn't for the tenacity and balls the chopper jockeys and gunners had to come in and pick up our 4 or 5 man LRP teams from hell I would not be typing this right now. Thank you is just not enough. I salute you all for your service and your courage.
"Rangers Lead The Way"
1SG Joey "Brasso" Welsh USA-Ret
ABN/LRP/RGR
Vietnam 67 -68
Persian Gulf 91
springer94 9 months ago 2
when the american helicopters land, remember to aim for the man in the door
101andrewj 9 months ago
@101andrewj Congratulations Andrew, in four years yours is easily the most asinine comment on this video.
MichaelRyerson 9 months ago
@MichaelRyerson your right... should aim for the pilot instead
101andrewj 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@101andrewj further evidence you're an idiot.
MichaelRyerson 9 months ago
To the men in the door I served with. CE's you have my respect!
clarkgd9667 9 months ago
VERY well written. Thank you.
tuberumor 10 months ago
Thanks Michael ! That was Nam. I flew slicks in the Army 1970-71, II Corps, with the 134th AHC. This brings back good memories, not of war, for war has no good memories. But of The Men we fought with. Of the way we covered each other's backs. The camaraderie. The living thru the best and the worst times of our life together. Thanks for your poignant words to help us remember.
Rotor134 10 months ago
This really brings Vietnam home. If it weren't for the chopper pilots and door gunners, a lot of us wouldn't be here today.
DaveVietVet 10 months ago 2
Who's the little fuck that disliked this?
GreenShark4 10 months ago 3
@GreenShark4 Good Question...maybe V.C.?
pjezierski 9 months ago
my stepson is one of these men, He showed us this video, He is on deployment right now.
tinasolizbrock 10 months ago
Amazing. Beautiful.
jaclardy 10 months ago
A friend sent me this video. It took me back to RVN. 6X WIA in I Corps as a Marine Infantry teenager. Those choppers were a blessing and a curse. They dropped us into the hell of flying metal and they returned to scoop us up. They got us killed being mortar magnets and gave away out positions. I member being pushed out of one that never landed for the bullets and grabing the tail gate of another as it near left me in the dark. But nothing like boarding gaining distance leaving the Hell of Combat
lonewolfmilitia 10 months ago
Thank you for the memories. As a grunt, I sometimes envied the pilots, but in the end, I grew to respect them for the many times they risked their lives to save ours. Welcome Home.
Kendel1944 10 months ago
Welcome Home Michael and to all Vietnam Vets that served- eternally thankful , L&R
Panhead53 10 months ago 2
I'm ashamed of my generation's demeanor towards Vietnam, I speak for the countless teenagers who are overwhelmingly honored by your sacrifice, myself included. I cannot put our gratitude into words. Thank you for your service, and God bless you.
reeve2222 11 months ago 4
I salute you sir. B co. 2/1 196th LIB Americal Div. RVN 1970-71.
kyletango 11 months ago 2
You are a true american hero, Thank you for serving your country.... People like you make me proud to be an american!
bigdaddyyummyum 11 months ago 3
Yes, you can find this and several other short pieces at IWVPA.com look for me in the author's index.
MichaelRyerson 11 months ago
Sergeant do you have what you said in this video in writing? I would like to convey this to a former teacher who got Tinnitus in 'Nam.
Ascaidh 11 months ago
@Ascaidh sorry, check that. it's IWVPA.net. You'll also find an email link.
MichaelRyerson 11 months ago
ty Sgtgrit.
Ascaidh 11 months ago
CE UH 6717823 tail numbers
Thanks for sharing the other side with us old x crew chiefs Uh IH 6717823 (Huey)
We were happy to the job.....and scared as HELL!...but never could show it...
We never knew when we were going to be shot down...again...We never knew what you guys were thinking
uhih6717823 11 months ago 13
@uhih6717823 What we were thinking was... Thank God you're here. Thank you so much.
DaveVietVet 10 months ago
@uhih6717823
Grunt6869 1 week ago
Great video and very moving.
hgl1001 11 months ago
Wow !! What a great tribute !!! As a former "man in the door" I can only say thank you for giving voice to a fallen comrad !!
makngtrax 11 months ago 2
cool
SIRSMITH08 1 year ago
Very poignant and thoughtful. Thank you.
jsbach15 1 year ago
I knew such a man, he was a loud, he was big
He was younger than us,
I see his stories told, come back alive
and conformation of ones he wouldn't
I must add to this that; war is a stupid waste,
double so for that War
brucencalifornia 1 year ago
Very Very Touching.. I can see through my eyes the way you had described.
Don`t know what to say. Good thing is end of the coldwar, bad thing is Islamic Militancy is on the rise. May Russia & USA come together for a better t`row.
nandtalk 1 year ago
me growing up in the late 60ties and early 70ties seeing this on tv I was just amazed by the fact that these guys where still going out in the jungle even knowing that it was useless. They did way way more than expected and I can only have the deepest respect for them.(and for the troll's among us: i'm pretty sure that there where as******le's among the fighting man, but they are everywhere)
robin6512 1 year ago 2
Jesus, the worst part of this is how the troops were treated after coming home, they had been lifted out of the slaughter and brought back home only to find protesters that hated everything about them. They were treated like terrorists after fighting as a hero.
pantherking298 1 year ago
@pantherking298
F N A!
Not to mention the "thousands" of Named Captives abandoned in North Veitnam
MIA never have a nice day
brucencalifornia 1 year ago
Softail005 is a sickening hypocrite. He obviously doesn’t know who John Paul Vann was. J.P.V. was MACV Senior Advisor up until his death in 1972. HIS biography spells out the whole situation, with NO sugar coating. Noncombatant villagers who were 95% of the RSVN population, were slaughtered from the air in their millions.
centurion180ad 1 year ago
its awful and appalling how little thanks and gratitude our troops receive, every single one of those guys is a hero and should be treated like one,
thank you for your service sir, my father flew hueys and cobras in vietnam from 65-72 when the last army combat troops left that place.
NRAman123 1 year ago
Dear Michael, this is the most powerful shit I have ever layed witness to. I will never know what it was really like back in those jungles but hearing you tell this moving, awesome recollection art piece is likely the closest I will ever feel to knowing what it may have been like.
GodlessMartyr666 1 year ago
Air crews aren't respected much these days. In Vietnam we took three times the casualties of the Marine grunts. It's nice to see someone expressed their appreciation in this manner. Not that we didn't know the grunts appreciated us. It's just nice to have this affirmation.
HML367 1 year ago 22
@HML367 I certainly appreciate the door crews. You have my affirmation.
DaveVietVet 4 months ago
Great post but then I'm honored as a NAVY SEAWOLF gunner as one of our birds is shown at 2:38
augiedet7 1 year ago
Michael,
Outstanding video, I'd like to see another. If you're interested I can supply a number of original helicopter and war shots as I was a combat photographer with 3rd MarDiv, 1969, I'm putting together a YouTube of some of them. Reply here and I'll find a way to make contact so we both don't get flamed.
Semper Fi
HotLandingZone
HotLandingZone 1 year ago
@HotLandingZone Thanks but truth be told, I supplied the words and the voice recording, 'Sgt Grit' put the video together. I can always be reached through IWVPA, look for me in the index of authors, there's an email link along with a half dozen other short pieces.
MichaelRyerson 1 year ago 2
@MichaelRyerson Your poem was on the Scarface HML-367 site. The site has disappeared. I hope it will be revived.
HML367 1 year ago
cowponyz 1 year ago
I was the man in the doorway. It was my deck, I never said no. I was the target on a that green bird, my brothers were beat, bloody and sometimes resting forever, but we would get there. Grab the plastic, and a fist full of H harness. My brother is aboard, I need more. I don't know them but now they are my souls. I will protect them with fire and with eyes. they need me now. failure is an option, but not accepted. My souls on board are all that matter....Sir, clear to port. let's go.
gemmchip 1 year ago 2
1:25 gives me the chills ... pullin'- pitch ....clear-right ....
MisterFiberglass 1 year ago
Comment removed
hobbstj 1 year ago
brother this video is right on....thank you for your service and welcome home.....from the son of a WW II Ex-POW Disabled Vet
keymankeys1960 1 year ago
Oh wow telling lies about me just because I outed you as a stalker, homosexual and old pervert.
Yeah that's really mature.
karlkarlkarl1234 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@karlkarlkarl1234 People only have to look at your home page karl and then look at your comment history and they will see who you support in this world, and how you have a DEEP hatred for your own people, some people would even call you a Traitor, but in a FREE country you are allowed to support the enemy.
con2477 1 year ago
Yeah coming from a 30 year old man who sits on YT all day trolling for men half his age to try and "meet up with", sending pictures of yourself half-naked and spamming their accounts daily,,,,,
karlkarlkarl1234 1 year ago
@karlkarlkarl1234 Isn't that what you do all day karl? I mean you spend all day on YT and any other blog site you can preaching your support for Hamas and their activities, I mean you even believe Hamas has hardly killed anyone and the few they have killed is of no consequence, while telling anyone who will listen how good Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and regime is something to be admired.
con2477 1 year ago
So let's get this straight, you are 30 years old, you love military things and talking about war, your hobbies include stalking younger males on YouTube and sending them sexually explicit PMs and pictures of yourself......
Let's just say I hope I don't end up like you.
karlkarlkarl1234 1 year ago
@karlkarlkarl1234 Oh karl is getting desperate now, look how low your mind is sinking karlkarlkarl1234, its ok though karl I will be around for A LONG time yet to keep our dialogue going, its nice how you don't answer the question about why you are calling ALL American service men and woman Traitors, Hired killers who steal oil and make themselves rich during their service, you said these things yet good old karl just resorts to abuse.
con2477 1 year ago
@karlkarlkarl1234 You will never amount to anything you despicable sack of $hit.
49bigguy 1 year ago
@49bigguy
Ohh poor baby, did my truth hurt your fairytale existence?
karlkarlkarl1234 1 year ago
@karlkarlkarl1234 Your "truth" are the lies told by the father of lies. You are a worthless piece of $hit.
49bigguy 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@49bigguy
Oh poor baby! You must be so happy living with your head under the sand, never looking at anything other than Fox News.
karlkarlkarl1234 1 year ago
Coming from a 30 year old grown up man who spends his whole day stalking people half his age on YouTube I will take that as a compliment.
karlkarlkarl1234 1 year ago
@karlkarlkarl1234 So you are 15 then? but I thought you said you were a Biologist and a Scientist, or are these more lies like the rest of the garbage you spew on youtube, Still this comment of yours is the best because here you call ALL fighting men and woman, Tratiors, Hired killers who steal oil and make themselves rich during their service, take my comment how ever you like kaarl because it makes you no less a FOOL.
con2477 1 year ago
@con2477
What did you do to make your life so shitty?
My biggest fear is being 30 and sitting on the internet stalking other younger people. Hopefully by then I will have found my higher purpose in life and spend every minute pursuing it. Maybe you haven't found yours yet? Or maybe you don't have one?
Sort of disturbing to even think about.
karlkarlkarl1234 1 year ago
@karlkarlkarl1234 One only has to look at your youtube activity to see karl that YOU DO spend all your time on the internet stalking blogs with your vile opinions and abusing many many people along the way, and lets face it you have found your HIGHER purpose as you see it and that is to educate the world in 'how all things should be according to karl' and if their is any dissent from the masses...... abuse them.
con2477 1 year ago
Thank you for sharing this with every one, it held a special meaning for me as I was one of the men in the door I was a crew chief on a dust off in 69-70
coffindragon 1 year ago
This guy is truly inspiring, cuz i want to join the marines and my only worry is becoming crazy in a war or somehthing, and he seems normal enouph to live a good life. RIght?
TheSilverBrick1 1 year ago
@TheSilverBrick1
Pity that the marine no longer fight for the American constitution and the American people but are rather hired killers for those who want to steal oil from other nations and further their own maniacal ends. In fact I woulod go so far as to say the American Army is currently fighting against the American constitutiin.
karlkarlkarl1234 1 year ago
@karlkarlkarl1234 Its always the scum bags like this little BOY who have never worn a uniform that write stupid unintelligent comments like this about hundreds and thousands of men and woman who join up for their country without a thought about what the GOVERMENT of the day is undertaking, and this little fool seems to imply all of these people are Tratiors, Hired killers who steal oil and make themselves rich during their service, karl you fool its the Govt that makes war not the soldier.
con2477 1 year ago
Salute
lastchip 1 year ago
"...will that SOB into the air..." Love it.
bkymic 1 year ago
In the image of the flight cabin in scene 3:02 there is smthg that looks like a magnifying glass w crosshairs above the co pilots head. Is that a reticle for fixed weaponry?
fifh89 1 year ago
@fifh89
augiedet7 1 year ago
@augiedet7 hi! there's no text. do you have a reply to my question from way back?
fifh89 1 year ago
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Thank you for your sacrafice. None of you will be forgotten.....
FallinStar16 1 year ago
Excellent. As a flight medic with DUSTOFF it is greatly appreciated by mentioning us. Oft times we forget what we did. Some regret it, others like me were happy to do waht we did. You the grunt, the Marine, the Soldier are the ones that we did it for. We could not leave someone on the ground and wounded. We had to have your wounded.
Chet Crump, SFC, Retired
dustoff11m 1 year ago
SHALOM VERY NICE VIDEOS TOV TODA
mrmakemakkara 1 year ago
Hml/a 167 marble mountain boys! Here is a current crewchief aboard the uh1n. Cant tell you how much this makes me proud to serve! Listen to the sound of that SEXY Whop-Whop. Always gives me chills
misterinekafabulous 1 year ago
DEEP RESPECT TO ALL OF YOU
GOD BLESS
DOGMEHNIM 1 year ago
Major respect..... My papaw was in the 3/60th 9th infantry. All ive heard is good things from him about chopper pilots, door gunners, an the dust off crews. If it wasnt for these guys he wouldnt have got out alive.
littlecopeman 1 year ago
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Man, us soldiers are just a tool in our goverments war machine. We just fight becuse we are told too. So just relax eehh!
QAMR1864 1 year ago
Man, us soldiers are just a tool in our goverments war machine. We just fight becuse we are told too. So just relax eehh!
QAMR1864 1 year ago
Thank you for this Marine Rierson. My Marine friend Hal was an Ugly Angel crew chief then door gunner. One of the finest men I've known next to my dad - WWII Dec. 10, 1941-Oct. 17,1946 US Army - N. Africa, corsica, France, Rhein, etc. I am grateful for all you and others did in Viet Nam. For your friends or for us back home - it doesn't matter, you did well and you did more than enough. Thanks - Peace
arhatyellow 1 year ago
0:16 get some get some yeah yeah
BAKARDAN1 1 year ago
I'm honored to know you.
tuneacellocgda 1 year ago
semper fi big m 3/9 mike co. wpns 69 70
jarhead242able 1 year ago
Absolutely awrsome! You and all Vietnam vets have my undying respect!
kirkstorey 1 year ago
Bless you... And all those who served.
epatha44 1 year ago
Thank you Marine.
Thank you Veterans.
lenschell100 1 year ago
I am not a Trooper. Never faught in any war! But my respect for any G.I. that served- My respect? Nah...Our Love is all they need. They've earned all the respect within "Rank". But our love is needed! My uncle, (nam66'- 71') never uttered a word about "The Hell" till 1987... (Pilot) Robert C. George told just one story that night. "We were shot down- Scooted to a log for cover and my copilots face was shot in half! Dead! Gone! We Were Silent and the chat changed to sports... Luv2GI's
AreenaRock 1 year ago
I have listened to this a 100 times and i cant listen to it without getting a lump in my chest!!
uratrick 1 year ago 3
Thank you. God bless..
xgunmetalx 1 year ago
Thank you. To all VietnamVets; thank you for your service to our Nation and WELCOME HOME. From the proud son of a US Army Aviator that served a tour in Vietnam with the 'Rattlers' '65-'66.
sonofrattler 1 year ago
Does anyone know how many huey helicopters that US sent to Vietnam ?
jvn1111 1 year ago
@jvn1111 According to August 2009 "Vietnam Magazine" article 7,014 Hueys served in Vietnam and 3,301 were destroyed. 1,132 pilots KIA and 1,191 not pilot crew KIA. Overall 12,054 helicopters served with 5,602 destroyed. 40,000 heli pilots served with 2,192 killed and 2,717 non pilots killed. The biggest heli losses were 1868 and 1969 with 1,059 and 1,076 respectively lost. Article does not cite source of statistics.
dinkydow68 1 year ago
@dinkydow68
thank you very much !
jvn1111 1 year ago
Great! Brings back the memories!
Larry
mcmullenlarrym 1 year ago
Excellent Mike, thank you. It stirs me inside. Be proud of your words.
huey gunner 68-70
afsauter1 1 year ago
Michael, what imagry! I can't fathom how you cats did it, the gunners, crew chiefs, Huey drivers, seemingly always stoic. But, of course, we could not tiptoe into your dreams.
hotcha9 1 year ago
@hotcha9 WE did it because of this! "When a Marine in Vietnam is wounded, surrounded, hungry, low on ammunition or water, he looks to the sky. He knows the choppers are coming..."
Leonard F. Chapman General, USMC Commandant of the Marine Corps
phrog46crewmmaf 1 year ago 2
Michael, what imagry! I can't fathom how you cats did it, the gunners, crew chiefs, Huey drivers, seemingly always stoic. But, of course, we could not tiptoe into your dreams.
hotcha9 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
The people of vietnam did not have a tour of duty they had to live that shit raise their kids in it survive every day in it where are all the pomes to their horror as they saw this death from above are we suposed to feel sorrow for you and not them as you run away after butchering some village and for what ?
1934137 1 year ago
I feel bad for you. It must be doubly tough going through life always missing the point.
MichaelRyerson 1 year ago
I'm sick of arrogant morons like you who think you have all the answers to life. You have no idea what it was really like over there. Just biased news reports that ignore what was really happening.99 % of the butchering was done by the VC and NVA. Where's your empathy for the millions who died after we abandoned them ? Or for the millions who died in Cambodia .You're just another brainwashed talking head. keep drinking that Kool aid.Just another "keyboard hero" !!!
softail005 1 year ago 52
This comment has received too many negative votes show
oh right as a posed to been a real hero rambo style who walks into another mans house and shoots his wife and children because they dont see things your way wow and who suported pol pot yea but of course im the brain washed 1 and instead of been ashamed you guys writh pomes to shout of your deeds and shake eachothers hands in cyber space and i dont drink cool aid no one out side the states drinks that toxic crap.
1934137 1 year ago
@softail005 Thank You, its nice to be stuck up for once in a while.You blessed........Gunner
chrisandrusty1 1 year ago
@softail005 softail, you said it.... a big thumbs up!
irish89055 1 year ago
@irish89055 Hell Yeah softail!!
floridacrackerish 1 year ago
@softail005
"99 % of the butchering was done by the VC and NVA"
Actually statistically it was like 1000:1 deaths. The bombing campaign of North Vietnam was a holocaust in itself.
karlkarlkarl1234 1 year ago
@karlkarlkarl1234 karl knows very little about what he is saying he gets his info from conspiracy theory websites and them tries to preach to everyone that it is the truth, he is just one of those foolish weak minded young people who have yet to learn about the world.
con2477 1 year ago
@softail005
MisterFiberglass 1 year ago
@softail005 True. and i'm sick of hearing that we lost vietnam. We won from a miltary standpoint, and then setup a cease-fire then pulled out. The NVA broke it and overran the South.
lhlover52 1 year ago 3
@softail005 The VC did not kill 4-6 million Vietnamese.
The dropping of triple the tonnage of bombs dropped by all warring powers of World War Two by America, inflicted most of that slaughter. The balance was //unspotted// ARVN artillery fired into RSVN villages, then the ground actions.
It was CIA that funded Pol Pot into power from his very start, ditto for the overthrowing of the Laos king in favor of a mass murdering warlord.
centurion180ad 1 year ago
centurion180ad And what year, outfit and location did you serve ? What does all this left wing BS have to do with honoring men who put their lives on the line ?
softail005 1 year ago
@softail005 FACTS are A-political. EVERYTHING in my post is researched, and FACTUAL. I saw your Highest Rated Comment where you wrote, “I’m sick of arrogant morons like you who think you have all the answers.” YOU are being an asshole, and YOU don’t have all the answers. As to my service I was 1980s Cold War, my particulars are none of your business.
centurion180ad 1 year ago
@centurion180ad Typical left wing factoids... They have nothing to do with the content of this video that honors MEN who served ! You are an asshole for trying to inject your politics into it ! IF YOU WEREN'T THERE, YOU DON"T KNOW THE REAL FACTS !!! So, shut up and stick your factoids where the sun don't shine.
softail005 1 year ago
@softail005 John Paul Vann biography was not published until AFTER the war, and it is the FACTS. I see your highest rated comments. You don't seem to mind spewing a bunch of LIES when it suits you for the You Tube audience, so I thought I'd reprint your lie "99% of the butchering was done by the VC and NVA."
That is a bunch of sick-O nonsense. Best own up to it. It was OUR and YOUR aerial bombardment of noncombatant targets that did the overwhelming majority of that War Crime .
centurion180ad 1 year ago
@centurion180ad I refer you to my previous post and you can add John P Vann to it. i'm not going to waste anymore time helping you spew your bile on this post.
softail005 1 year ago
@softail005 This guy's a REAL asshole. He belongs on AssholesAmongUs - Dot COM (real web site)
ciphoenix 1 year ago 2
@ciphoenix Couldn't agree more. just another troll.
softail005 1 year ago
why did the grunts called the huey, SLICK?
THANK YOU ALL VIETNAM VETS FOR YOUR SERVICE 1965-1975
PEDROCLASSIC 1 year ago 2
They had no mounted heavy weopons on there sides sticking out, they flew "slick".
timber020 1 year ago
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PEDROCLASSIC 1 year ago
Thankx for a great tribute from the mother of a door gunner who's now counting down a year in afghanistan.
jiggersmom1 1 year ago 9
Very well done. Quite a contrast to a young Dan Rather who leaves his air conditioned in Saigon, runs around to get sweaty, rolls in dirt and does a report on how bad the war is going. The press in general are/ were the scum. Fools like happymana lap/lapped it up.
Potheadmybutt 2 years ago
well done , well done , ive been in the sf and flown and relied on soldiers like this good on you mate thanks for doing this i cant explain to you how much i really dig this !! "STRIKE SWIFTLY"
kaelobiroquois 2 years ago
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PRO-COMMUNIST SENATOR "HANOI" JOHN KERRY SUPPORTS BRUTAL COMMUNIST VIETNAM BY KILLING VIETNAM HUMAN RIGHTS ACT IN THE SENATE.
He considers dirty money and economic ties with Vietnam much more important than democracy and human rights values. Consequently, Vietnam, has waged a new crackdown on democracy activists such as Father Nguyen van Ly and lawyers Nguyen van Dai and Le thi Cong Nhan, who were given unfair, harsh sentences of several years in prison for their democracy activities.
TOMP66666 2 years ago
Thank you, for your service, for writing this, for posting this,
1982jeepcj8 2 years ago
That was an excellent narrative. Hemingway would've been proud.
10bnvnu 2 years ago 3
thats powerfull stuff!THANKS!
meatypaw101 2 years ago 12
Godbless, this is very touching. My father is a Vietnam Vet and so are others who have touched my life so greatly. We will never be able to repay you what you gave for our country. Thank you.
xen423 2 years ago
good work sgtgrit
MrHarry46 2 years ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
just remember:
all the carnage of vietnam was for RUBBER
58000 american lives were snuffed out for car tires
France colonized(invaded/took over) vietnam in the 1800's. by the early 1900's had VAST rubber tree plantations there
Michelling(FR)Goodyear(US)Firestone(US)Cooper(US) all desparately needed this rubber. why?..car/truck tires are made of rubber. google france, rubber, vietnam
USA NEVER FIGHTS FOR FREEDOM
IT ALWAYS FIGHTS FOR A COMMODITY
(just look at us in Iraq((oil))
MrHarry46 2 years ago
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softail005 2 years ago
I stated clear, verifiable FACTS. doesnt matter where Im sitting. I did my time in the military so I dont want to hear your Fox News brainwashing puking out of your keyboard keys
remember
Vietnam = RUBBER
Iraq = OIL
Afghanistan = NATURAL GAS, COPPER
do your own research instead of blindly asserting that everyone elses statements are "crap"
MrHarry46 2 years ago
Comment removed
softail005 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
yeah yeah yeah. you like waving flags and parades and standing up for VERY large corporations it seems. bush luvs numbnuts like you.
men bled to death in vietnam and kept asking why?.I JUST TOLD THEM WHY.
YOU CANT HANDLE THE TRUTH KID GET OFF THE INTERNET
MrHarry46 2 years ago
Comment removed
softail005 2 years ago
if we were in IRAQ for oil, we wouldn't be paying high gas prices and we would be rich.... clearly we are not. but we should start taking their oil.
BurroBurrito1 2 years ago
you missed something in school, didnt do your homework etc...something
MrHarry46 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
The US is in Iraq for oil. The oil companies get oil cheaper but still charge higher prices, making more money. It's people like you that think we are not there for oil because you pay too much for gas. Wake up.
roundrock63 2 years ago
If America had not involved the war, South Vietnam would have fallen into communism in 1954 and more Vietnamese would have been murdered in cultural revolutions like those launched by Mao in China (20 million deaths) and Khmer Rouge in Cambodia (2 millions)
Total Vietnamese democide by communists:1,040,000 (1975-87) by UNHCR
Executions: 100,000
Camp Deaths: 95,000
Forced Labor: 48,000
Democides in Cambodia: 460,000
Democides in Laos: 87,000
Vietnamese Boat People: 500,000 deaths.
TOMP66666 2 years ago
Comment removed
MichaelRyerson 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Bullshit, USA Killed millions of Vietnamese. USA Interfered in Vietnams Civil war, get it (CIVIL WAR.)
happymana 2 years ago
That was excellent! I was a slick & gunship pilot for the 1st Cav, and your tribute gives recognition to who I have always thought were unsung heroes of helicopter crews. The Crew Chiefs and Door Gunners. They flew the missions, and then worked hours afterwards performing maintenance, squaring the ships away, for the next mission. In this short paragraph, I can't begin to express my admiration and appreciation for the job that they did. BTW, the last pic is a 1st Cav UH1-C. Is it from a movie?
choprjock 2 years ago 3
That was awesome! One of my best friends is a 'nam vet who till this day personally thanks any fellow 'nam vet he meets who flew choppers.
Great poem!
moonspots01 2 years ago
Thanks Dad, and all our Dads. Semper Fi !
beesknees1945 2 years ago 2
thanks bro, i know you guys cared, it's nice to hear it aloud. it's hard to share these feeling with ones who weren't there, i think you got it right. 1970 101st Avn, lancers & black widows
jpgfiles 2 years ago
This just took the god-damn wind out of me.. Thanks Michael .. 101st, class of 71-73.......
blueticecho 2 years ago