An Interview with Terry Hairrell

Terry Hairrell served as an infantryman in Vietnam with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade from late 1967 to 1969, and was stationed at Chu Lai, South Vietnam. During the Tet Offensive, Hairrell was part of Company A, then was transferred to Charlie Company, where he became a squad leader. He was awarded a Purple Heart after being wounded by friendly fire in an incident that also killed one of his sergeants. When he came back to the United States in the 1970s he went to college at Western Illinois University but also struggled to deal with his combat experiences, which led him to drugs and alcohol. He says that meeting his wife in 1975 saved him. He has since reunited with some of his war buddies who continue to struggle with PTSD.

[@malcolmjohnson9302]

Malcolm Johnson. Good and kind interview. Thanks Terry. I was with 4/31st in 66-67

[@royjackson419]

Great interview, thank you Terry

[@babalugats3540]

Half way through this interview all I can think about it is how good it is to see someone like him who really was in it, not embelish his experience or paint himself as either a hero or a victim. A good, decent, honest man.

[@joseflemire4284]

This man has a good soul....Oliver Stone's Platoon is about guys like him and the choices they are faced with in War....loose all humanity or try to keep their souls

[@toseteire]

Marvelous! It would have been good to hear the interviewer' questions.

[@jankubicek1432]

So irritating they have women interviewers asking combat veterans questions.

[@anthonytesta344]

God bless sir

[@donaldjones7678]

I was in the same unit as a grunt but in 1971. We were in I Corps the whole time I was there. Company D, 2/1st Inf, 196th Bde

[@ronaldclark8187]

We set up claymores almost every nite in the bush. We set up AAs frequently.

[@Buce-ku9vx]

Finally, an honest Vietnam vet! Not the usual Rambo 🏇shit you get from 90% of these "heroes ". Good listen. Thanks for sharing.

[@warrenchambers4819]

Welcome Home Terry. My mentor/best friend/counselor was in Co.B 4/31 1.9.6.LIB 68-69 Burning ropes/Chargers. Maybe we'll see ya at a reunion.

[@joseflemire4284]

the young female interviewer is very good

[@danpollard4210]

Interviewer low volume.

[@jankubicek1432]

This a nd one other are the two best I have listened to . Thanks so much to him and his friends.. I feel very closely the same feelings and view of. My service during this period. I’m a grand father to

[@danpollard4210]

As in the MOVIE FURY Brad Pitt; "Not Luck,, The Grace of God"

[@topgeardel]

This guy is just one of 2.7 million Americans who allowed himself to be sent to an illegal war in Vietnam. He was essentially an imperialistic invader and aggressor in someone else's country that did nothing to Americans or the US. It was none of his business being there...it was an Asian civil war to be settled by Asians. His time in Vietnam had absolutely NO effect on America's safety, security and freedom. He risked his life, and others, for NOTHING. He dodged a bullet from the people who he intended to kill. He's not a hero, he's a survivor. He was a chump and a pawn in Vietnam...and he knows it. He doesn't need an hour and more to tell his story. I just stated the important stuff. The rest is war story BS,

[@topgeardel]

@@JohnMartinez-ty5jw That is a "primitive" statement. Only people who have no critical thinking say that stuff. I believe real men take ownership and responsibility for their choices. They allowed their Government to treat them like pawns and were afraid of the Government instead of standing up against it when it's wrong. That was cowardly. That's actually un-American. "Love it or leave it" ?? I can't believe people are still saying that.

[@davidballard1745]

You sound like a very intelligent ASS HOLE. You couldn't spit shine the shoes of an American Veteran.

[@carlosdeuriarte8015]

You weren't asked if you want to go. Not voluntary. What did u do?

[@topgeardel]

@@carlosdeuriarte8015 I registered for the Draft at 18...as required by law. I then applied for Conscientious Objector status which to my shock they accepted. If they didn't...off to the very sane and stable country called Canada.

[@user-yx9bs8zo5q]

This fuck says the same thing on every vietnam video. Has to disparage every veteran He wants to feel important and get his pat on the back. He wasn't even draft age.

[@jarrod9152]

Seems like a good interview, but I don't know. Can't hear a word this guy is saying.