Access to History: Vietnam War Helicopter Pilot

[@lettystevens3379]

I personally know Larry and Nora Earles when they lived in El Paso, TX. I taught with his wife at the same school and had the privilege of being his son's 4th grade teacher. They are wonderful people. They left El Paso in the 80's and lost contact with them. I wish we can connect again.

[@stevephlyer]

Very good and smart interviewer, not interrupting and letting the interviewee tell his own story.

[@sonnygunz9207]

This is a man you’d definitely want on your team. A born pilot, he just didn’t know it till he answered the call. Thank you, sir.

[@jimb7067]

I am a USAF Vietnam vet (72-73). I am virtually at a loss for words. I was so riveted to your interview it may have been the fastest 55 minutes of my life. There is no question God was your copilot and he did not fail you. I want to congratulate both you and your wife for a lasting marriage under such uncertain circumstances. What a strong commitment you both made. "Thank You" sir for your service to America and best wishes always.

[@jayt6524]

Jim B. Thank you for your service in Vietnam.

[@arco4936]

Ironically religion was forcibly brought over to our continent but sure lets say pure skill is from some “sky God”

[@jaynefrost3949]

I'm a female RAF AH64D/e pilot with 3 combat tours Afghan and Mr. Earles's interview has touched me deeply. I would like to be like him in later years telling my grandchildren of my experiences. I was conceited too, until someone told me of a Kipling rhyme which I Most Heavily paraphrase - " When you're shot-down and left on Afghanistan's plains; And the women come out to cut up what remains; Just roll to your pistol and blow out your brains; And go to your God as a Soldier; A Soldier of the Queen " - I'm now as humble as is Larry and hopefully, having acheived rank - forlornly aspire to be half as interesting, intuitively instructive and inspirational as Cmdr Earles. 'Heroes' are always forgotten but a legacy of teaching and guidance will outlast

[@about10ninjas]

Real humble. Lol.

[@rodneydockins3485]

My dad is a Vietnam Vet and when I was in Afghanistan I was on the phone with him when we started taking incoming and I just stayed calm and lied and said my platoon sergeant was calling me so had to go told him I loved him and ran out of the conex scared as I could be but soldiers know not to let their families know about that kinda thing it doesn't help anyone you just tell them that it's boring and everything is going well. Thank you to everyone of our outstanding Vietnam vets the toughest of all our Veterans.

[@vet137]

Welcome home Rodney

[@rickfrancis5480]

This man is very well spoken. I can tell this man is grateful for life

[@clarenceputnam7995]

Flew Charlie and Mike models in III Corps and Cambodia mainly nights. This gentleman speaks in a level , knowledgeable no BS manner and it was very satisfying listening to him. Being an OH-6 pilot in I Corps must have been a very challenging and exciting time.

[@essel23fly]

One of the best interviews I've seen of military heroes. Amazing person.

[@skippy51505150]

He reminds me of the meter reader I met when I was about 8. When I saw him coming down the street I would run in the house to get him an ice cold bottle of coke, just to watch him open the bottle with his prosthetic hooks, hands. To me he was the incredible hulk. Watching him finish that drink and handing me the bottle. I remember asking my mother about his super hero hands and her telling me he came back from this place called Vietnam. Truly, you sir are still my hero.

[@enlightenedwarrior7119]

That's an amazing story. One time I had a flat on my 1982 Ford Granada and the wheel had a lock lug and I lost the key a man came out with a grinder he also had a magic hand and he got that lug off

[@diana3599]

your mom raised good kid

[@davidc3839]

A very emotive description.

[@chrislee176]

Hero in some ways, victim in others.

[@luislongoria6621]

Guess Who Pistol Braces were Made For?

[@truthandfreedom885]

Nice job of letting Mr Earles finish all of his thoughts and not interrupting him. People don't tune in to listen to the interviewer. Questions were well thought out, and relevant. Mr Earles you are a hero! Thank you for your service.

[@lmac1325]

I really enjoyed this interview, thanks in large part to the young man who interviewed Mr. Earles. He asked good questions and listened until Mr. Earles was finished. Never interrupted once. Because of that courtesy, the interview flowed easily and was very interesting.

[@tfromtennbama]

Good points LMac. A good interviewer lets the interviewee be the star. The point you made about not interrupting is especially important.

[@Arellar]

LMac True, he never interrupted, but we have no idea what year he served or where he came from, or what unit he served with. Poorly done in my view.

[@stijnvandamme76]

if that's your only gripe.. then ffs , get over it.

[@kimosabbe50]

@@Arellar Finished Flight School in November of '68 ... finished 2nd tour July '70.

[@Arellar]

kimosabbe50 Who did you serve with?

[@kentpurrington2645]

Thank you, I was a doorgunner with 2 tours also, 1970-1972. So many thoughts popped into my mind, thank you for the memories.

[@kenjones627]

The smell though...ringing ears forever.

[@shawnryan2197]

Did you shoot women and children?

[@roysheaks1261]

Shawn Ryan Pay attention. He was the bait for the Cobras to carry out seek and destroy missions. He was purely after soldiers shooting at him. You’d make a good hippie.

[@moshezayn2760]

You're a hero thank you for fighting for freedom!

[@seka1986]

👍👍👍🎖

[@stevetackett581]

My Dad served in Vietnam in the infantry. I’m so sorry you had to go through that in that Seattle airport. My Dad had a similar experience in San Francisco airport. You guys are heroes, you more than answered the call. Thank you so much!

[@Wildcat5181]

No one dared say anything at all to us. The most that happened to me was that people would take a few steps away from me. I sat at SEATAC and the person I had sat next to, got up and sat somewhere else away from me. No one spoke to me and I didn't mind as I didn't have any grudges as I still do not. All pilots, but especially OH-58, OH60 pilots and MED EVAC were badass. I was inserted and extracted on LRRP operations by UH-1s accompanied by Cobras and HOGS. He was truthful when he said they would fly low and slow to draw ground fire and then they would scram as the Cobras would initiate their gun runs. It was a beautiful sight to behold for a grunt. The MED EVACS would fly at night in weather so they're higher up my list of badasses but they all were. They saved me and my team mates several times risking their lives daily. Thank you for the work did.

[@vet137]

@@Wildcat5181 Welcome home George..no political BS here just saying welcome home

[@johnscott5662]

That was an amazing interview. I was particularly touched by Patsy’s email. That said it all.

[@dollymayberry532]

I want to add to the complement given to the interviewer. So many times the person interviewing disrupts the flow of the conversation. Thank you Mr. Earles for sharing your life story. Thank you for your service to your country.

[@michaelcook9206]

Who could possibly give this a thumbs down?! What a hero this man is for his country. Great job by the student.

[@azspotfree]

2 back to back tours (2 years straight) of Army aviation combat at low level over the jungles of Vietnam against a savage, determined enemy. What guts, these guys make me proud to be American. This warrior sounds like a descent, kind man as well. Thankyou for your service sir

[@davevario]

He is a great guy. I went to school with his kids. Wonderful family.

[@petemoore5104]

He's not the only man duped by recruiters... Me too! I was already very good at stalking game but rejected for sniper school. Then, much later, someone noticed my skills with a rifle. I rejected their offers, as I was loving tank recovery in Germany. Later, they sent us to Northern Ireland, where we endured snipers. I borrowed a rifle, from an infantryman, laid down some rounds, with the result that, it got far too hot for the sniper. He went home for tea. After that, we went carried tracer rounds, to let the patrol know where to shoot. Green tracer rounds earned me the name, Green Dragon.

[@josephmichaud8790]

davevario pp

[@timothylines3867]

[pussywhiped satan] insight.

[@robertroselle9082]

Why are the 'enemy' described as 'savage'??

[@edpetrovski6640]

Here is a man who, by his own admission, barely graduated from high school. He is articulate, intelligent, sensitive and just plain smart. Contrast him and his ability to communicate with a high school graduate or even an university graduate today. Thank you for your sacrifices and service, sir.

[@Not_sheeple]

Yeah....like...you know like.....

[@benjohnson4606]

Mr Earles, from the UK I'd just like to say how much I enjoyed hearing of your Vietnam experience, a true gentlemen and a true American hero. How your fellow countrymen treated you and your fellow brothers and sisters in arms on return was a disgrace. You are all heroes. I salute you sir.

[@johntooth9294]

Happened in Australia ..

[@tommyjenkins7453]

The ppl that spat on this brave and decent man are the bastxxs that are running and ruining our once Great nation, The Clintons Kerrys, BidensSchumers etc. Democrats

[@superprettyko]

Larry, I too am a vet of Viet Nam, Jan.1966 - Jan 1967. I too spent a year and half at Fort Hood , Tx. I got out in July 1968. I want to say THANK YOU for your service and a wonderful story. God is watching over you. Thank you

[@mikegoldstone6832]

What a cool guy, especially how he re-established his relationship with his wife......big salute!

[@brianfreeman8290]

You, sir, are an inspiration. Your wife, also, is obviously a very special lady. TOTAL RESPECT.

[@PERVISJAYFURLONG]

How can 200 people dislike this mans life story?

[@larrywhite2144]

I was in Pleiku, Dak To, Ben Het. Combat Engineers. This clip brings back alot of memories. Flew on recon 1 time as a Combat Engineer. Mine swept road from Kontum to Dak To many times. Thks again. God Bless all who served their country there. Sp5 Larry C. White, 4/69 to 3/70.

[@mikecook7530]

Sometimes the Internet produces some quality content. What a well balanced individual he turned out to be. Thoroughly enjoyable...

[@fastsetinthewest]

I stumbled across this interview. The young man doing the interview is the next great generation and did a very good interview. I'm a drafted disabled Republic of Vietnam 1st Aviation combat veteran '68. I was a crew chief that trained on the OH 6 at Fort Eustis, Virginia in 1967. I was trained to be a crew chief on the UH-1 too. About 5 months of training. I was sent to Vietnam as an OH 6 Crew Chief. The OH 6 had a push pull type system with no hydraulics and no need for the hydraulic oil. The engine was a little gem. I had a pilot that shot a hole in the rotor blade with his revolver. I guess these guys learnt from us. Eaglegards...

[@ColdCanuck50]

What struck me, was the clear, concise manner in which Mr. Earles answered the questions. There appeared to be no attempts to embellish or inflate the experiences he had, just clear answers to what must have been some harrowing events in his life at the time.

[@nigelroddy9125]

Totally agree!!

[@seka1986]

Larry is a total bad ass!

[@thorpestanford5359]

A humble man worthy of respect

[@duanemccrtney1141]

A magnificent testimony of American's warriors. A well-done to all. From an 83 yr-old Marine.

[@enlightenedwarrior7119]

Semper Fi SIR

[@Fireslanga1]

Thanks Sir.

[@danscheulen708]

I agree with you very much!!

[@DaveStuff]

I'm an old 67-N ARNG helicopter fixer. Thank you for your service.

[@kennethreddington3113]

I have had the opportunity to meet Larry a couple times now, and he is a total gentleman. I really enjoyed listening to your story, Larry! I appreciate you and your service! :)

[@RichardOhlrogge]

Really appreciated this interview!! I also served in Vietnam in 1968 and flew OH-6A's. Larry was a warrant officer and I was a commissioned officer (1st Lt while in Vietnam) so our training path was subtlely different but basically the same!! I am amazed at the commonality of his experiences and mine and would love to meet him at some point!!

[@stevetackett581]

Richard Ohlrogge thank you for your service and courage

[@enlightenedwarrior7119]

THANKS SIR I AM FOREVER IN DEBT TO YOU. TO SEE WHAT OUR COUNTRY IS NOW IS LITERALLY MAKING ME SICK. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE OATH I TOOK AND WILL DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION AND BILL OF RIGHTS AT ALL COST GOD BLESS YOU SIR

[@paulsuprono7225]

You both are maturing . . . don't wait ! 🇺🇸

[@terrancevraniak2496]

Flew with Larry in Nam. One hell of a pilot and individual to this day. He trained this newbie at the time in the OH-6 and flying "Whiteteam" missions. White teams were a pair of gun loaches that operated on their own. Also, Larry went to Nam as a Warrant, but he was offered and took a first lieutenant slot before he left Nam, rest of story. 33

[@victorhopper6774]

everytime i relayed the schedule for the next day i wondered how the loh crew got up for it. 71st ahc ops nco

[@NFlight]

I love how he describes things. "Two pilots shot down twice in 30 minutes. They had a much more exiting afternoon than I did." LMAO!!!!

[@garyb1534]

A dear friend recently passed away served 2 tours as helicopter pilot in Nam spent the rest of his military career as a instructor...RIP Dave....

[@feetgoaroundfullflapsC]

All high school I took military training. Wanted to be a pilot which I did at 17 years old finally. Went to enlist to be a helicopter pilot at end of 1970 when 18 years old. My mother trashed the letters from the recruiters. Also hung the phone on them when they called. Kept me in a college i hated instead. I could have ended up shot up in Nam and killed, Heli pilots were shot down by hundreds a month in 1971-72. Thanks for your service, Captain.

[@mikestone9129]

Love this story. I to was in Nam and was spit on when I returned to Travis on a medi vac flight. I would not be alive today if pilots like you weren't there. You saved many lives. Thanks for your service.

[@paulsuprono7225]

Was Travis so open that protesters could gain admission onto a DOD instillation ?

[@vet137]

What was your Rate? Rank?

[@Genman510]

What a guy. Thank you for your service.

[@kevinhamment5265]

One of the best interviews I have ever seen, what a brave, honest individual whom answers his questions thoughtfully.Sorry you lost ya mates Larry. Thankyou for your service.

[@TheCousinEddie]

Agree! Also, Jacob did an excellent job of allowing Mr Earles to set the pace of the interview. He didn't interrupt or talk over him but rather gently asked his questions then gave his guest time to answer. For many veterans, especially Viet Nam vets, talking about their service is very difficult and to put into words the brutality of war is stressful, to say the least. I have no idea if there was an opportunity to rehearse but it felt like Mr. Earles was hearing the questions for the first time - these make the most honest interviews. Appreciate the upload and the job well done.

[@davidmihevc3990]

I completely agree. One of the most interesting and informative interviews I have seen. Much respect to Mr. Earles for his service and for sharing his stories.

[@goodsamaritan343]

Larry Earles...Thank you for your service. You show remarkable courage, honor, integrity and patriotism. Welcome back home to the land of the free and the brave thanks to your contributions, dedication and commitment.

[@patrickallen5781]

You are an articulate man who lives with pain of war. Thank you for your service and God bless you and your family.

[@GoSocialEnvergy]

Great video, I was in Nam too in the Infantry. Served in Americal, 11th LIB, Delta Company 1st/20th Inf. I posted a tribute to the last Chaplain to be killed in combat along with 10 other men. It all happened in front of me after Chaplain Merle Brown came out to our bush location on Easter Sunday 1971 to bring us hot food and give us Easter Services. I sat next to him for over an hour and talked with him. I felt he was my new best friend. I was devastated as I watched the explosions of his helicopter and knew he was probably dead.

[@wsn03]

Absolutely fabulous interview, top marks to the interviewer and the interviewee. Really enjoyed this. What a hero. Thank you, from the UK

[@petedube9367]

I was in the AF as a crew chief on jets . After that I went to Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic and sheet metal repair . I have the utmost respect for both services pilots but these helicopter pilots in all services are truly brave warriors . I flew with the Army pilots in Vietnam just to travel around but I was glad that I didn’t have to do it every day or so like they did . Flying low level with no protection is not a occupation conducive to longevity . These men are true heroes.

[@joeparson5531]

That description of what pilots are like brought back memories of my father. He flew cobra gunships in 1969, I can still remember when he was over there. RIP dad. Thank you for your service Mr. Estes.

[@dougstamper7868]

I was a paratrooper, but the closest I ever felt to flying was a LOACH ride off FB Birmingham towards Camp Eagle. I was a Pathfinder at the time and operated hand in hand w/aviation, so this pilot decided he was gonna show me what he could do, and it was a thrill, to say the least. Those guys could fly them under jungle canopy and maneuver out, amazing skill.

[@JeremyS86]

you can tell this was very emotional for him talking about his experiences

[@stevesandford8993]

So understated, so HONEST, so HEROIC, and a man who continued to serve after his war... Be proud of you life, Sir, we are honoured to hear you share your experience. You, Sir, are THE EMBODIMENT of all that's fine and good in the US Serviceman. One of the best and most informative KZbin interviews I've ever seen. xx SF

[@tfromtennbama]

Amen

[@dwsonye]

I know this is and Old interview but here's a SALUTE to you sir!

[@jackflanagan8954]

Your story sound so familiar with what I wanted to do on graduation from college, only to serve in 'Nam. I was selected for Armor OCS and the day following college graduation in '67, was inducted, beginning the journey through Basic, AIT, and OCS at the Armor School, Ft. Knox, KY. I had never been physically challenged in life and I loved my training ... couldn't get enough! My story finds me losing my way during OCS as a former "love" distracted me from my "mission" of volunteering for 'Nam, but I was commissioned a 2Lt, not in Armor but in the Adjutant General Corp stationed at Ft. Belvoir, VA and got married in '68 The Army knew what it was doing by taking me out of Combat Arms & placing me in an admin position where I could do no harm to anyone. I ended up leaving the Army wishing that I had been able to serve in Vietnam, in combat. Crazy, I know. Many have assured me that I had missed nothing but I still wonder what the experience would have done for me. I loved my Armor training. I wanted to go to "jump school" & survival school. Somehow, it was not to be & possibly why I am alive today. But I will always admire those of you who "kept busy" in the military, earning your CIB and many service recognitions. I am now retired and life has been very good to me. Divorce of my "love" distraction of 1968 after 20 years finds me married to a wonderful lady who kind of understands me after 33+ years. I often wonder if she, like your Nora, would have waited for me to finish my dream life with the Army. Thank you for sharing your "LOACH" & Huey experiences with us. All together you required "only the best" of yourself with the Army, in government service, and as a husband & father. You are 1st class and a wonderful credit to the Army and your service in safe administration. Thank you for your service! Jack

[@MG-ed7uf]

Eighteen years ago, my wife required an emergency med flight for the emergency delivery of our daughter. The pilot was a Vietnam veteran pilot, nearing the very end of his flying career. He obliged my wife's desire and request to fly by a local church on her way to the hospital. Not only did he oblige her, but truly buzzed the bell tower on Easter Vigil. She said it felt like she could reach out the window and touch the steeple. Anyway, a skilled and extremely competent, compassionate pilot, to say the least.

[@fredd3243]

great story

[@scrubjay93]

What an amazing story--I can't believe you got back in a helicopter after every crash landing! wow. I was lucky enough to have a Vietnam vet helicopter pilot when doing wildlife work in roadless areas of SE Alaska. He was so confident getting us in and out of tight spaces--you could tell he knew exactly what his craft was capable of. Once he took my coworker and I on a little flight where he skimmed an alpine ridge at low altitude and then took the helicopter in a steep dive down the other side, joking, "sometimes the engine does stall when you do this." We always felt so safe with him, which makes sense since he must have had soooo much flying under his belt compared to the civilian pilots I have flown with. Thank you for sharing your personal story of the war. These oral histories are so valuable for current and future generations. Thank god you survived to come home, but it must have been a tough transition. Thankfully nobody seems to blame service men and women now for things that are in the hands of politicians--back then was a crazy time in the US, lots of anger and politicians seemed so distant and inaccessible. Times have changed and I'm sure anyone who jeered a soldier back then must feel awful about it now.

[@luislongoria6621]

Seems Crazy as Hell Flying at Low Altitude, but You Don't Have a Snowball's Chance of Walking Away Falling from a Great Height. In Urban Areas, Power Lines are the Greatest Threat to Vertical Flight as are Billboards, Freeway Light Towers, Water Towers, Radio Antennas and Cell Towers

[@groundeffect8547]

Mr Earles, Job well done. I salute you and all the men who flew in the Nam. I was the WOC who designed the safety sign that our class (68-27 - 68-515) built at the Y at Ft. Wolters. I had been a concrete finisher prior to entering the Army and with my classmates we built that sign. Quite a task for young men. Being in 68-515, 2 week accelerated program, I never got to see it finished but I see it is still standing on googlemaps. Left the military in late 69 and sold insurance most of my life. Raised a great family and now PAPA to 5 grand kids. I too was spit on and had a little old lady throw a can of urine are me. We were not liked and I lost jobs too by including VN on my resume. Learned to quit that. Glad you made it and God Bless you!

[@seananthonyegan3395]

What a humble man such dignity thank you for sharing your story

[@MsMaureena]

Thanks, Larry and I am so glad you made it home.

[@doughunt7000]

Thank you for your service. I was deeply moved by your interview and you are a genuine hero. Words not enough

[@ireachy]

An honour and a privilege - thank you sir...

[@rogerdavies6226]

this has been time well spent The young man asking the questions was both respectful and well prepared. I thank him and Mister Earls for taking their time to speak to us. I Thank Mr Earls for his service.

[@jonlove9750]

My feelings as well. He comes across as an interviewer that has no real concept of the times (too young, not his fault), but wants to learn and understand.

[@robtman9199]

Thank you Mr. Earles for your service and for opening up and helping us understand more of what you and the other members went through. Stay well and be safe.

[@williamhorvat8224]

A BIG salute to this great American. 🇺🇸

[@kerrytackett9457]

Absolutely

[@silvioapires]

I am HIGHLY impressed by the way Jacob conducted this interview! Better than many professionals we see around! Mr Larry Earles is an amazing guy! I wish there was more people like him I wish you Sir and your family all the very best!

[@jaybdvm]

You are an extraordinary human being. I wish you a peaceful, content, happy, long, life

[@jafo766]

He earned it.

[@jerryeinstandig5691]

no, he was just a sheep following unjust orders, just like the nazi ss. there ar no heroes in an unjust war, just victims.

[@MrDavesbox1]

moron.....if we dont kill them....if we dont stop their gene pool...destroy their DNA....they will come back or their kids wiil.......

[@jtaylor2791]

Golly you can't go about divulging the actual plan Jerry einstandig, the slow flakes melt at the notion of protecting ourselves, by eliminating those who seek to destroy our freedoms and the seekers would go on to teach their children who teach their children, etc. etc. Stop the spread whilst you can. Oh but you've also revealed the penultimate plan of protecting all of humanity by attempting to stem the tide of overpopulation and cleaning up the gene pool. Poor frozen thing probably burst into flame.

[@jtaylor2791]

Golly you can't go about divulging the actual plan jay Berkowitz, the slow flakes(Jerry einstandig) melt at the notion of protecting ourselves, by eliminating those who seek to destroy our freedoms and the seekers would go on to teach their children who teach their children, etc. etc. Stop the spread whilst you can. Oh but you've also revealed the penultimate plan of protecting all of humanity by attempting to stem the tide of overpopulation and cleaning up the gene pool. Poor frozen thing probably burst into flame.

[@redwingdetroit9671]

Very nice interview jack black. And thank you captain Larry Earle

[@jorgejefferson8251]

yeh, maybe would have been better if the interviewer was just a disembodied voice.

[@billyblackmon4796]

he was a warrant officer not a captain

[@luislongoria6621]

Hunter Killer = Fishbait. The Only Thing That Makes a Better Target is Coast Guard Orange like 'Finding Nemo' or Magnum P.I. Treetop Flat Hatting Increases Survivability Cause Helos Don't Have Parachutes. JP4 = Kerosene Camp Fuel/AVGAS. JP6 = Diesel, JP2 = Jet Fuel. You can Run JP4 in Place of JP6, But Not Vice Versa Because it Gums Up the Engine. Any M2 Carbine they Gave to the ARVNs Would Been Better than a Handgun, but Pilots were Instructed to Act like Non-Combatants in the Hopes the Commies Would Treat them Better. Pilots Were Always Selected to Make Propaganda Statements. In Xmas 1968, You Could See Starlets from Bonanza and Petticoat Junction on the Pages of Playboy Magazine. Talk about Pinup Girls! Nowdays Green Berets are Known as 'Baby Killers' Because Training Militia Usually Involves "Able-Bodied Men" Too Young to be Conscripted into Military Service

[@funnyyylock]

"we have jack black at home" jack black at home:

[@brandond5209]

Wow! Great stories. My Dad was a Huey and Cobra pilot in Vietnam and he told me many stories such as the ones this gentleman told. I have so much respect and admiration for these guys and for my father! Thank you for your service.

[@marycandullo526]

Thank you for your service, Larry. God bless you.

[@serdavosseaworth6115]

As a civilian heli pilot I am in awe of these men.

[@davevario]

Thank you again for your service, Larry.

[@G31mR]

What an articulate interviewee. Great stories, well told. As a veteran (1966-1970), I can relate to some parts of his history, but he has opened up some new aspects of a veteran's military days.

[@305canes5]

I fought in Iraq (Baghdad) in may of 03. When the man was asking questions i would answer him before Mr. Earles did and remarkably we had the same exact answers for most the questions. Yes, mail call was the brightest part of the day but for some was the worse part as well. Also we didn't have access to phones in fobs (foward operating base) only when we got to go to the Baghdad international airport where the Division command was set up. Towards the end of my tour, the did start allowing Iraqi on the fob and they brought satellite phones we used to call home once a week for about 10 mins. Time flies almost 20 years have gone by and the sites and smells of war are still fresh in my mind. I just want to salute all the veterans that have served, are currently serving, and will serve in the future. God bless you and especially all my brothers that paid the ultimate sacrifice. " It shall be done"

[@khammar6081]

Mr. Earles... THANK YOU for YOUR service!!!

[@ringfinder7]

I was in Vietnam about the same time Warrent Officer Earles was there, '68-'69. I was with the 595 Signal Company and we supported the Big Red One in DiAn and several other posts. I remember well when the copters would return from a mission as the runway was right behind our hootches. So many times the copters would just barely get back to base and crash land near where I lived those many years ago and so many were thrown from their aircraft when it crashed. We would run out and help them as best we could. It was so sad, but we were glad they made it back. One of my classmates was a Medic on one of those copters that never made it back. R.I.P. Larry Van Meter from Bluffton, Ohio, I miss you buddy.

[@marshalldillion2835]

One of best interview l have seen on Vietnam , what a great person and a true hero , welcome home ,God bless kind sir 🇺🇸

[@donjjcarroll2263]

Tuesday, April 9, 2024. I listened to many Vietnam KZbin videos with a similar interview format and this one is one of the best. Both gentlemen communicated perfectly, the interviewer, with a soft voice who listened and did not interject, and the interviewee who replied to the questions very thoughtfully and with excellent comunication skills.

[@jonwilliams23]

Amazing story, thank you for your service and the sacrifice of your youth Mr. Earles.

[@bjtourere3318]

AaI will be eternally grateful for these pilots & copilots crewcheifs& door gunners for getting us in & out of some horrendous situations & saving our lives!

[@5798478]

Hi Squirrel, This is Stan Jaworski I watched the whole video, One of the best. I still communicate with Joe Gwizdak and Jim Tomes. I am glad your life turned out OK. You and Mr. Phelps were the pilots I admired the most. I have a poster in my office taken out of the bunker we lived in.

[@MsMaureena]

5798478 hi Stan thanks for your bravery!

[@michaeljohn8905]

If I’m ever half the man that this soldier is I’ll be very happy. Salute to you sir.

[@SandyBonnyman]

Had the same thoughts watching this (sadly, in my case I don't think it will happen). Would love to know what makes some men real men and heroes.

[@afvet52]

Jacob you did a perfect interview! Great Job! You let the man talk and you were humble and patient in your interview!

[@Ardiinbaatar]

watched from mongolia repect to this succesful pilot im a chef pilot too ive learned soo much from him nice interview

[@lastofthefinest]

Semper Fi from a Marine and Army OEF vet! Thank you for your service!

[@1vigorousdragon]

Thank You Mr Earles and Thank You ALL from the Viernam Era who served who sacrificed so much but treated so badly upon your Return. My heartfelt gratitude is nowhere near enough to explain the shame of the others who treated you so badly.

[@mike9205]

Excellent interview. Jacob's questions were concise and thought-provoking. The photo presentation and other production values were spot on and very well done. Larry Earles was flat out amazing. EXCELLENT interview. Kudos to everyone involved with this production. I just stumbled upon it today. Better late than never.

[@beer1for2break3fast4]

I just found it today so there. 😂 Awesome video.

[@timwilliams7034]

Thank God for keeping you safe and for having a supporting wife. Thank you for your service.

[@JHamList]

A friend of my fathers was a chopper pilot in vietnam, survived being down by enemy fire 3 times, hearing what these crews had to deal with was pretty unreal.

[@davidb8777]

I'm really glad I found this video. Mr. Earles gave a very clear view of his time in Vietnam. You can tell that recounting his story was very poignant for him.

[@PDSDrivingSchool]

Thank you Mr. Earles for your service to our country. Thank you for the positive impact you have made as a citizen who survived combat as a soldier! God Bless you sir!

[@ronaldrobinson9517]

THANK YOU I WAS IN NAM 68-69 I WAS IN LOVE WITH THE HUEY THEN AND STILL AM

[@oldguyofarizona8602]

This man only tears up when he talks about the pain of others, not his own. He is a treasure.

[@Storieswithwill]

My father was part of the Hunter / Killer teams or "Pink Teams." He flew the AH1G Cobra and always had the utmost respect for the "Loach" pilots and the courage those men had while attempting to flush out the enemy. I know he lost many friends and fellow pilots who flew these helicopters in such dangerous situations. My father passed away at a young age from cancer due to Agent Orange. I wonder if Mr. Earles has had any problems with AO exposure due to his time in Vietnam? Thank you for your service, Mr. Earles and I thank Mr. Ehlers for conducting such an important and enlightening interview.

[@tfromtennbama]

THANK YOU LARRY EARLES FOR YOUR SERVICE. I am amazed at your memory and how eloquently and honestly you describe your experience.

[@birdsoup777]

Thank you. The Veteran is an Icon of " Land of The Free, Home of the Brave "

[@jeffkerr4249]

THANK YOU LARRY !

[@patbell6751]

I THANK GOD FOR MEN LIKE YOU. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DID.. YOUR A VERY LUCKY MAN. AND A TRUE AMERICAN!!

[@joeiiiful]

Two tours with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. I was a Forward Observer where we did multiple combat assaults, then 5 months a Liaison Officer for the 3/503. I flew 450 plus hours with the Battalion Commander. The Huey Pilots were nothing short of amazing men, courageous and caring about the soldiers. We lost hydraulics twice and were shot down twice. Everytime the skill of the pilots was extraordinary. The risks they were willing to take always exceeded expectations. I was in awe of the pilots and the door gunners. There was always a tendency to take them for granted. I doubt that they ever received the credit they deserved.

[@JD_Spencer]

Great video and fhank you for sharing! Also thank you for your service Mr Earles🎉

[@hsbc2468]

Larry Earles thank you for your service.

[@timmitzlaff8960]

What a great documentary. I remember those times very well. I turned 18 in the summer of 1971. The draft was the lottery system then and my number was never call. My half Brother did back to back tours. I had a few close friend go to V.N. And they returned physically intact. We owe a lot of gratitude to our veterans. I’ll never understand how the hippies who were supposed to be about love treated the Veterans with such disgusting hate. Did I enlist? No, and I was glad not to be drafted, but I had much respect for our service men and women for their bravery and commitment.

[@jamesa.7604]

Thank You For Your Service, Mr. Earles. Glad You Got Back Home Safe! I would be honored to shake your hand.

[@byedgington169]

Larry, thanks for stepping up and agreeing to do this interview, well done. I returned from VN nearly 50 years ago after flying slicks with the 101st at Camp Eagle, and it was gratifying to hear your (very similar) experiences. For some reason I found myself wishing more people had asked about our time and experience over there. The silence from friends & family was disheartening. I'd put myself in your position with the crew from Montgomery College, but I'm afraid I wouldn't be as articulate and compelling. Also, after all these years, despite my disdain for the war, then and more so now, I realize as you said, that the war in Vietnam was truly a formative experience in my life. Thanks for sharing your time and stories, and thanks for your service.

[@PMMM9]

This is the most remarkable story.

[@1926howiemack]

What a great interview he didn't glorify war but learned from his experience and hopefully others will appreciate what he learned from his experience and apply what advice he gives at the end of the interview. Would love to meet him and his family as they sound like people of high integrity and balanced view points. I mean who could go through all of that and not be mentally changed forever.