Today March 29 is Vietnam Veterans Day. I received an e-mail telling me that I need to wear a hat or pin and be proud of my participation, and help to honor the 58,000 names placed on the wall in Washington DC, because we as Vietnam Vets no longer have to hide. Almost to the date, it was April 6 & 7 of 1968 that my unit, Golf Co, 2nd Battalion 26th Marines became heavily engaged in a hill fight outside of Khe Sanh, South Vietnam. A little insight for those of you who have never been placed into this kind of a situation, it started like this: My Company was called together the evening before, and we were told that we would be engaging the enemy who was “dug into the hill”, but remember these things tomoroow. “ I am an American soldier, if captured I will give only my name rank and serial number.” Second , and most important, “we will leave no one behind”. If that doesn’t make one realize the seriousness, nothing will. On the morning of April 6, another corpsman in my company came up to me and handed me an envelope addressed to his parents. He said, Greg, I had a dream and I won’t be coming back today, you will and I want you to mail this for me. The Company comprised of 160- 180 young men headed out to the uncertain world of war. A shot rang out, all hell broke loose and one of the first casualties was the corpsman who had handed me the letter earlier. I tried to blow life into his lungs but all that returned from the chest was blood. He wasn’t left behind. He did go home, along with his letter. Many things happened over the course of the next few days, which I won’t go into any detail other than to say I saw a lot of brave young men doing unbelievable deeds, the bonding and team work was beyond belief. Over 20 men were killed and 70 - 80 men were wounded and medevaced out in the that skirmish. I can state unequivocably that I have nothing but the utmost respect for all soldiers past, present and future. For all of you who did not have the opportunity to serve, take a little time to reflect on your freedoms. Here is an example: I attended a Graduation at Capital High School last year and the guest speaker was a retiring teacher that was obviously a Vietnam War protestor who did not serve his country and still held those anti war beliefs 50 years later. His speech was in my opinion utterly disgusting. I was saddened that this man was held up as a hero to the graduating class. I am proud to stand up anytime and any place to recite the “Pledge of Allegiance”. All of you should be too. A big shout out to all of those who gave the right for that teacher to give his speech and teach one sided views to our children and grandchildren. It was a shame that these students were not allowed to hear any opposing views, on that day, or for that matter probably during this man’s entire teaching career. His speech reminded me of why I along with many Vietnam Vets kept silent on our return home. We were greeted by men like this. Many soldiers were spit on, some were shot. Upon my return to the states, I climbed onto a Western Airlines plane in San Francisco enroute to Salt Lake City wearing my miltary uniform with all the distinguished ribbons proudly displayed. A young man probably in his 30’s dressed in a business suit and tie walked up to me and looked at my uniform then looked me in the eye and called me a dumb *?’#@. I realized it wasn’t the same country I had left. Maybe that fellow was the retiring teacher, and maybe he wasn’t, but his speech certainly brought those memories back. There are probably many things I regret doing during my life, but what I don’t regret, is whether that war was right or wrong, when my country called I answered. the call, so did that corpsman who was able to see his future, as did the 58,000 names on the wall. Thanks to all who served.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 16:18:12 +0000
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