Vietnam vet returns lost diary to fallen soldier's family

A Vietnam veteran from Bergenfield, New Jersey recently returned something he found on the battlefield almost six decades ago. It seemed an impossible task when he decided it was finally time to do it, but he soon found out the information he needed was right in front of him. CBS2's Kristine Johnson reports.

[@davedrifter416]

In the culture of the Vietnamese people this is huge. Their loved one’s spirit has returned home. The family can now rest and be at peace. They can celebrate his memory day with joy.

[@Macskinny76]

I couldn't of said it any better than that.

[@hindmarsh2]

@@jimmywenger8979 Clearly you watched a different video, He never mentions killing anyone only being sent to count bodies and search for documents, If he didn't pick it up it would have been picked up by another solider and sent in with documents to most likely be destroyed once done with them. Its because of his actions that the book still exists to this day and has been sent to the family.

[@fingerprint5511]

@@jimmywenger8979 You don't know what he had to process in order to get to this point. He had to process the American propaganda of an 'enemy', process the lies, hate, the sadness at murder and it came from the heart. The Vietnamese soldier's diary was decorated, he saw the beauty in the 'enemy' but had to process his own pain in order to be able to also see his own beauty in order to face the Vietnamese family. He was ordered to search paraphernalia pertaining to the Army that would be insightful. He explains everything - Constant explaining the most obvious human things to silly old men is utterly exhausting, you can't even recognize reality.

[@theAmdisen391]

its just a book, but glad he returned it

[@TheDylls]

​@@theAmdisen391 I dunno... A diary is the physical act of attempting to commit a portion of yourself into a potentially lasting document. Surely that can't be "just" a book? I dunno

[@Bobm-kz5gp]

I served in Vietnam, 18 months, I wish we never went there, what a waste. I need to go out into the woods and cry for awhile.

[@Gorillafishing]

Bless you sir….. not your doing

[@redtobertshateshandles]

It might have helped if politicians had tried to win the war not just enrichen themselves. Instead it was a waste, of everything.

[@raj_kumar0]

No need to cry Bob. You did your 'duty'.

[@robinwitting2023]

I hope you find peace, Bob, I write from England, you more than deserve it. Vietnam was the backdrop to my growing up. Robin Witting England

[@satisfactionguaranteed5355]

You sound like a real simp Bob don’t forget a tissue

[@sun_chariot6141]

This is a heartbreaking, but beautiful story. The saddest part was hearing how his girlfriend never married.

[@zoebear1992]

Ikr

[@heaven-is-real]

He was her one and only. How sad. Heartbreaking.

[@PhuongNguyen-cr1en]

I'm Vietnamese, I really admire his girlfriend, the story is so touching. Thank you very much!@@heaven-is-real

[@ducngo3077]

Sounds like something they should make a movie on

[@blackwatchberlin]

That's what u call true Love. Hard to find These day's.

[@deborahkish5411]

Honor and Respect to All Vietnam Veterans!

[@Ignore_myname]

Shutuo u capitalist

[@indian2003]

Honour and respect to all Russian soldiers too.

[@Grahamrobinsonvt802]

On both sides

[@EduardoGonzalez-uf1vf]

YES!

[@waikrujudovic]

The true meaning of being honorable. What a story. Truly inspiring.

[@stormangelus6638]

Bless him for having a loving soul. Bless you, sir.

[@normvw4053]

He gave them their son back, and the peace that is shared makes them family.

[@aj897]

They can never get their son back, they got some of his memories and thoughts, they didn’t get him back though. Don’t get it twisted.

[@normvw4053]

@@aj897 Understand the culture, please.

[@G-RO60]

I have been to Vietnam several times and know the culture fairly well This is a deep story.

[@flashflame4952]

Great story and glad he was able to return it to the family. What really irks me is he was drafted with just a green card and denied full citizenship! WTF???

[@caramelhoni6881]

IKR!

[@HazeainKing]

They used him!

[@265hemi7]

Was that even legal?..

[@caramelhoni6881]

@@265hemi7Being a neutralized immigrant to the USA, I can tell you, that’s very legal. You can be a Green Card Holder and be enlisted into USA military services., but you cannot vote. You have to become a citizen, in order to vote. You can fight for America as a legal resident alien, but you have to become a citizen in order to vote, go figure!🤔

[@IMaximusDMI]

Curious how he feels about the "migrants" pouring over the border looking for handouts. This guy had to put his life on the line for a country he wasn't even a citizen of. What a sacrifice.

[@ronaldbose9645]

The terrible things we did to our returning Vietnam vets.

[@flashflame4952]

I couldn't agree with you more!

[@redtobertshateshandles]

We. We allow it to happen, by doing nothing.

[@ronaldbose9645]

@@redtobertshateshandles If you are speaking of PTSD we did not know the full extent of the trauma. If you watch George Carlin explains 'shell shock' and the 'battle fatigue' and how it morphed into PTSD. I don't understand the statement 'We allow this to happen by doing nothing. What did you mean by that? I am a Vietnam Era vet. I did not serve in Vietnam but during the war.

[@robd5254]

Now it's worse, with republikkkns loving dictators. Republikkkns are crapping on our vets!

[@cherylholub3100]

My brother is a Vietnam vet. He had nothing on that said that he was a Vet, but a woman came up to him and said she didn't like him. He was speechless.

[@muffs55mercury61]

I wish there was more footage of him handing it back to them rather than the interview.

[@melinagranger8505]

So he was from the Netherlands and was drafted I’m just a green card. And then when he came back, they told him he had to wait to be a citizen? What more can a person do to show that they are in fact a citizen?

[@desmotanker]

Different times, it was terrible. Good thing is now you get citizenship when you're in basic training towards the end of the cycle. During my basic training in 2011 we had guys from Russia, China, Pacific Islanders, and probably a few more that I didn't know about. I loved that about the military. You serve this country voluntarily, you deserve citizenship

[@cosplayshop]

@@desmotanker I think the law is 1 year for any honorable service according to USCIS. Which mean you probably won't be able to get Citizenship by the end of your basic training cycle. The people you saw may already be eligible to apply, if so, they will need to get their citizenship before putting into active duty due to security clearance matter. Otherwise their contract option may expire

[@miked7304]

Now all you have to do is cross the southern border illegally and your welcomed here.

[@RockandrollNegro]

@@cosplayshop That's the typical law, but if you go through Basic during a time of hostility (which we were in a constant state of from 2002-2018) you are eligible after one day of Active Duty service, which is defined as your first day after Basic Training. If you show up in the US while we're actively deployed to a hostile nation/warzone, get your green card, join the service, and complete Basic, you and your family are citizens of the US your first day out of Basic. George W. Bush signed that law in 2002, and the Democrats fought him over it. "How dare the Republicans dangle citizenship at the end of a rifle barrel?" cried Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. Yet, that became the preferred method of attaining naturalized citizenship from men and women of fighting age, for the next 20 years.

[@jceepf]

I am from Quebec. I was returning to Canada circa 1990. In the airplane I met a Quebecker who fought in Vietnam with his Green Card. He told me that he had never been "over seas" so he took the draft hapilly instead of dumping the Green Card and going back to Canada. In his case, they told him that he could get USA citizenship like peanuts. So he was ready to go to Syracuse, NY, to pledge and become American. However he missed the Greyhound bus! So he told me: "I am still just a Canadiand and decided to return home with my aged mom." So yes Americans drafted Green Card holders. Incidentally the son of General Jacques Dextraze, the former head of the Canadian army, died in Vietnam as a Canadian. You can find his name on the wall in Washington. Anti-Communist Canadians volunteered in the USA army.

[@johnflynn5044]

What an honourable man I would imagine this is a priceless family treasure now

[@gsimon123]

Man my heart goes out to the guy who lost his life - had a girl waiting for him and wanted to wife her. One guy went home and got to live his life with his lover into his old age - the other died somewhere leaving behind an entire life and people with unlived memories.

[@scottfw7169]

That is one of the greatest tragedies of war, so very many people suffer loss of future.

[@86Duy]

and the girl waiting for him never marriage

[@Albe3331]

I’m a 72 yo Vietnam era veteran. Even though I never served in country, I did serve in the neighborhood. I witnessed death firsthand, my thought “then” was someone had to die , glad it wasn’t me, sorry for your bad luck. My VA doc. says I’m one of the lucky ones. But now at 72 I wonder why. Just like the war protest song said back then “ it’s 1 2 3 4 what are we fighting for? “ I commend you sir for taking your time, energy and courage to give to this family the closure they deserve. Thank you.

[@ronaldbose9645]

CCR had their telling song. "Fortunate One". Not positive on the title. If you were privileged you could 'buy' your waiver.

[@Albe3331]

@@ronaldbose9645 actual it was “Fortunate Son” I believe to was base on trump and some political leaders kids.

[@ronaldbose9645]

@@Albe3331Thanks I was not sure. I have not heard it in years. Not Trump hen it was recorded in the '60 I think. It would be more about any well to do person. Thanks again.

[@julieinthenorthwest4594]

@@Albe3331 Really dude? Release the hate. And BTW, the song mentions 3 types of sons, senator son, millionaire's son, and military son.

[@Albe3331]

@@julieinthenorthwest4594 I have no hate, and am well aware of what the song is in reference to. Many people received a medical deferment, because they were entitled to one. There were also many that fled to Canada. The thing that people need to know is that trump was and is not hut a coward. He has used his wealth to screw over many people. He is nothing but a pathetic little POS.

[@Victoria-OneLove4AllPeople]

Thank You for Your Service. 🇺🇲

[@lynnetrathen4587]

Wow what a man. This is such a beautiful but also sad story. I love the fact that his girlfriend finally gets to hear he was coming home to marry her 🥰

[@sewmuchjoy]

Oh, you're right! I actually hadn't thought of that! How wonderful!!

[@2wahineandadog]

Wow Sir - much much respect to you then and even more so after you returned this diary - blessings to you forever

[@andypandywalters]

What a sad, but also uplifting story.

[@peachesb-georgia1125]

Thank you sir 🙂... my husband served in Vietnam also... thank you for your compassion for others... may HaShem bless you 🙏 always...

[@teresalegler2777]

Wonderful story! So glad that this veteran was able to find the family and return the book. Thank you for sharing. Unfortunately, so many broken hearts and lives as a result of every war. This gesture has helped with the healing for both families.

[@bigpicture3]

War may be honorable to those actually fighting it and taking lives, and being killed. There has to be a personal purpose that they believe in, such as fighting for country, homeland, and family etc. But for the ones "creating the war" there is no such personal honorable purpose, there is an entirely different agenda, and ideology. And that is: "everybody is expendable, (on both sides) to the agenda and ideology, that they spin and sell. (as honorable)" Evidenced by the way that they treat the vets, used up and thrown away.

[@Gorillafishing]

Great story…. we did a horrible injustice to our troops and the Vietnamese people as a whole ,especially the last years. 😢

[@Gorillafishing]

@inspectremagna still drinking the koolaid

[@normvw4053]

​@@Gorillafishing...you seem to be...

[@Gorillafishing]

@@normvw4053 informed? I’m informed. For political reasons they let people die and spent trillions when they knew they couldn’t win…. They knew.

[@vincentcorsello169]

Get a life!

[@Gorillafishing]

@@vincentcorsello169 wow amazing comeback 👏

[@MikeStoneJapan]

These enemy soldier reconciliation stories always make me tear up

[@johnlowell5905]

They understand each other through shared experience.

[@kevinharrington2078]

" there are only 2 people who can truly know a combat soldier, another combat soldier, and the enemy

[@markross2124]

My country's been at war my entire life and I for one am damn sick of war and especially the way our government treats veterans which is criminal.

[@kim.jong.skillz]

Stop voting Republican then, they literally hate the military.

[@snipz127]

Preach

[@idipped2521]

The government are criminals and traitors, collaborated with the chinese communist party to sell out the people of this country along with their for profit wars

[@brmam1385]

You’re not the only one. Yet out of the ugly can come stories like this. ♥🇺🇸♥

[@GH-oi2jf]

Same here. Our current involvement in Ukraine, actually a proxy war against Russia, is the most reckless thing any US President has done in my long lifetime. It disgusts me that there is not a single member of Congress with the will and the backbone to denounce the war. In the era of the Vietnam War there were many statesmen speaking against it. There are no statesmen in US government today.

[@Cocoa_Kalypso]

Hats off to this man. That soldier had no pictures for his family to remember his face or smile.. his body never recovered to be laid to rest.. the love of his life never getting closure or the opportunity to settle down. Once everyone who knew him passed, there would be no memory that he existed to this world. He'd be just another number. But now with this diary, his family can continue speaking his name, and the world knows he was a man of integrity who loved his home and country. Even if he was a "enemy" of the west. This man mattered. I'm happy a memento of him could be returned home.

[@dianewalker9154]

Such a wonderful story. Thanks to all veterans for their sacrifice and service. You changed the world and the world changed you. Blessings to all who served.

[@747cody]

Peter bedankt voor je dienst, echt respect

[@alexanderleach3365]

What an incredible story. To all who fought who fought in Vietnam; American and Vietnamese thank you for your service.

[@thelonetraveller_1]

gosh I am crying tons 21 years old heartbreaking.

[@DailyLessonsFromHoChiMinh]

Vietnam is a heroic nation with a proud history. Throughout thousands of years, our people have continuously fought against foreign invaders to safeguard independence, freedom, and territorial sovereignty.

[@davidmcmichael8113]

The Purist Demonstration of Honor and Respect, But Most Of All Healing. What A Beautiful Story. God Bless You Sir.

[@imnotabiologist2006]

what a beautiful thing he did. Every soldier has a story...war is so aweful

[@alanstrong55]

That is a rare thing. Glad that the family was delighted to get that diary back. Sometimes to treasure.

[@erwinaquinde7303]

I am in tears seeing this. -- from the philippines.

[@johnleonard8311]

Thank you for your service !

[@Zhukov-3]

Thanks for your service my friend!

[@tom1949213]

Thank you soldier 🇺🇸

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

Wow…. I can only imagine what this means to the family. The part about the girlfriend is heartbreaking. I hate war.

[@lourdesquintero9064]

My uncle was a Vietnam vet.He never was the same.He got married with my beautiful aunt.Had a son but divorce because his PTS it turned hard to cop for her.He drank a lot.He died like 5 years ago.He was a great cabinets maker.

[@RidleyHolmes-sr2tw]

You gotta love the Dutch. A doctor in my last unit in the Army Dr. Curt Hoffer was from the Netherlands. He was a Colonel and a great doctor.

[@kimberlybalogh4395]

Thank you for Your Service, My Best Friend Serviced 2 Tours. Love, Honor, Respect Appreciated. ❤❤❤❤

[@jarmstrong2843]

This story brings back may awful memories when I was in Viet Nam in 1968. In the heat of battle, we all do some pretty bad things; things that were ingrained into our minds from a very young age that the taking of life is bad. We had a job to do and that's how we looked at things despite not liking the situation. I can still smell the odor or cordite, the flash backs come and go and the memories of friends who lost their lives there are always present. But, the thing that I can never forget is the reception we received when we returned home. How does a serviceman accept being spat upon, assaulted, called vile names by fellow Americans in the LAX airport? Before I left the airport, I was in three fights defending myself. How do we justify that cruelty that exceeds what we did in Viet Nam by fellow citizens? This is how those who gave their lives are repaid and heaped upon those who came back home to deal with the memories. If folks want to blame some one for the awful things in Viet Nam, don't blame the servicemen and women. Instead, blame the military/industrial complex and the spineless politicians in power then, as well as those today. Afghanistan should be a very good reminder of the cluster f**ks who got us into these wars.

[@davidsoule1252]

Thank you for your service. I have an older cousin. He was a medic in Vietnam. When he got out he didn't tell us any war stories. He told us stories similar to your story, that he was spit on and called names at the airport. When I received my draft notice, I enlisted in the Navy instead. I was hoping to avoid the Vietnam War. But after boot camp and about a year in Navy FTG schools, I flew to Subic Bay in the Philippines in March 1970, was put on an oiler and then out to meet up with my ship, USS Joseph Strauss DDG-16, a guided missile destroyer. FTG's set up the computer and radar to fire the ships guns. I was highlined to Strauss somewhere close to S. Vietnam. That night I was off the coast of S. Vietnam learning how to set up the computer to fire the guns at targets in S. Vietnam. Easy 6 month deployment in 1970 as we were never fired at (and I missed the first month). Rotated between the gunline, escorting carriers, time to ports, time in ports and time back to Vietnam. Then to the home port in Pearl Harbor. 1972 deployment was different, Strauss was on the gunline just below the DMZ when the Easter Offensive started. On Easter Sunday, April 1, 1972, Strauss provided gunfire support in a mission, along with USS Buchanan DDG-14, to slow the advancement of the NVA toward Dong Ha Bridge just south of the DMZ while Marine Captain John Ripley planted explosives under Dong Ha Bridge, in what he later called a suicide mission and to slow the advancement of the NVA toward the Marine spotters spotting rounds for the two ships. In his later speeches Captain, then a retired Colonel, told his story. He dangled under the bridge for three hours planting explosives and then blowing up the bridge. He always mentioned Naval gunfire support in his speeches. I was there.

[@medone74]

Beautiful video as I was in a similar boat. As an American Vietnam Marine, I wrote a day-to-day diary. Ironically, in a battle in June 1968, I found an enemy diary that I kept. In 2023, I paid a tour company from TX to take me to the mountain (Phou Nhoi) where I lost 34 Marine brothers. Unfortunately, I was scammed. We found the family of the owner of the diary. I told them I would take them to the spot where their loved one died. The family drove 12 hrs to meet me. When we got to the base of Phou Nhoi, the Vietnamese military denied our entry and forced us back on the bus. The tour company told us the Vietnamese military was uncooperative. A Vietnamese interpreter said to me that the tour company was lying. I wrote to Ambassador Marc Knapper of the US Embassy in Hanoi who ordered a six-week investigation. In the end, the US Embassy sent me a two-page report (agreeing with the interpreter) telling me that the tour company NEVER applied for the permit to enter the battlefield site and that it was not the fault of the Vietnamese military. The country of Vietnam did publish two newspaper articles on my returning the diary. The family of the diary and I still communicate, and I have told them the truth. Regrettably, the $5,000 I lost by trusting this tour company, and my 55-year dream of honoring my Marine brothers is forever gone.

[@Lorexbg]

You did honor your fellow marines by trying . While was not the way you imagine or wanted , in my eyes you still did it . And very honorable to return the diary back .

[@kazochrymowicz3076]

While listening to his story and history my eyes are tearing. I came to this beautiful country in 1973. Hopefully he have got new close friends and family.

[@gailweatherall1215]

What a beautiful story - two countries coming together.

[@kiefermomcm-c3856]

Stories from the heart. Stories for the soul. America learned its lesson the hard way. RESPECT to all Vietnam veterans.

[@JohnHannigan-wx8ng]

I had the same feeling eligible for the draft in 1970 as a recent immigrant, I served with my green card as a volunteer and left with an honorable discharge as a Captain but no citizenship.

[@johnroberts9160]

Well done, God bless. Thank you

[@wasclit11]

I watched a TV program that interviewed North Vietnamese after watching the movie "Platoon". They were crying but not for the reasons I thought. They said they felt for the Americans and they held no malice against us - it was a war. That hit me like a truck because they had forgiven me but I had not forgiven them. I still had hatred in my heart so that made the Vietnamese better people than me. I found peace by watching videos of current Vietnam and the young folks look like any other teens. They have their cell phones and mopeds and look happy because these young folks have never seen war.

[@briantran3791]

Please visit Vietnam if you can. You’re going to be welcomed with open arms. Time for peace.

[@muleskinner4053]

Your a good man

[@S62bhas]

Very touching Memory and The War Dogs Of Vietnam Never Should Be Forgotten

[@retiredtom1654]

Great story & very emotional. No matter what you politics or beliefs, we are all humans & in every military conflict, families & loved-ones are devastated over their personal loss! I have a torn Japanese flag an uncle got during WW II somewhere in the pacific. He is long gone & nobody knows about his story. I wish I could give the flag to someones loved ones, but there are no markings on the flag.

[@nopenope9118]

I used to work with an entire family of Vietnamese immigrants and while there were language barriers with some of them, I got pretty good at understanding. They were the nicest people and I was always in awe that they would want to come here to live with the people who caused so much devastation in their own country. I always wondered if they held any resentment, but they never ever showed any. This is a beautiful story. What an amazing man. Our country wronged the people of Vietnam and this honorable veteran at the same time. I’m so glad his family got a piece of him back.

[@MemekingJag]

"We fought the US for 10 years, the French for 50 years, and China for 1,000."

[@stephenroman9015]

I would be crying my eyes out with sadness, happiness. Think of the countless memories of good and bad for both families. A tangled mess of a terrible war and torn lives for so many.....

[@seanpadgett3053]

Well played sir.

[@Jamison1888]

This was a sad but beautiful story

[@rleonekc07]

i am married to a vietnamese woman and they value family so much. This was probably one of the most important events to ever happen in that family

[@BobBobby-ew3du]

Thank you. im a vietnam vet brat and so proud of it. My father name earl dyer he gone but so proud of him

[@donr2176]

I found your story very moving, and hope that you are now at peace .. as the soldier's family are. I have visited Vietnam and know how much this means to them. You did a noble thing!

[@carmendavis5195]

This is amazing 💝 Thank you to all involved for sharing this story.

[@JulesUS8386]

Omg what a beautiful man he is to treasure this and keep it safe all these decades. I was in elementary School in the States during the War we call the Vietnam War and people there I’m told call it the American War? My cousin was there. I remember sending him off at the airport wondering if I’d see him again. I was grateful when he returned. This book is absolutely beautiful! So happy the man who was so creative could do this under those difficult conditions. I’m happy our Govt did not get it as I know his family would have never seen his writings again. Amazing they have remembrance of him in the book! He came home from Vietnam fighting for American with a green card….and our political leaders refused his open Citizenship to the US? This makes me very angry but not surprised bc of how the Govt treats people to this day! I’m so happy this amazing man was able to get a translation, and make copies (that could be laminated to protect better) so that he can look at it in a type of healing himself from the brutal things men from both countries had to do and see. The writer of the book was very smart to write his name address and family contacts in the book. I would like to think his soul is at peace especially after this good deed from soldier to soldier. Now his family can possibly heal a bit too. This man should be honored for his actions. It’s not often these days to see people go out of their way to help a fellow man. I feel that todays leaders in Govt should take a lesson. Learn how to respect all people no matter their race, color, religion, gender, sexual preference (as long as no minors involved…like the British Prince, Bill Gates, other Govt leaders seem to prefer). Learn how to get along with other countries. Stop continuously engaging in more battles leading everyone to senseless death and destruction. Teach others by example @POTUS …. Stop bring the concern and attention of one problem to take the focus off another one the Govt doesn’t want people to know. I wish the terrorism, death, teaching children to carry racism and hatred in their hearts for life over the countries at war in which Americans have already dove into would…replace that with light love and peace instead. Our planet including our own country would be much better. As long as another isn’t harming anyone, let them live in peace. All of us in peace standing together. All races, all colors, all religions, and all LGBTQ+ Live in peace and love. We owe that to our children to stop these battles and senseless death. We don’t own the land, we are merely allowed to be with the land. Thank you for sharing this story of a kind man helping a family heal. There are still kind people in this world. How amazing 🤝🕊️

[@marieravening927]

Amen to that. We are here but for a short time, why waste it with so much conflict and hatred of anyone who is different.

[@conqueringlion420]

Respect our Enemies for they made us stronger and without both of us we would never have achieved both our memories good and bad, we are both brother’s trying to survive in this same world

[@jimmyhoffa2458]

God Bless you! You gave this young Vietnamese soldiers family lost days and his feelings about the war. Both sides suffered.

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

Great true story. He is one fine true American, cheers !

[@sgrvtl7183]

Beautiful story🩵 and Blessings to this man for honoring the Family.

[@hemigod2]

It wasn’t just the diary that was beautiful but THIS is the ultimate flower

[@ryebeam7437]

Well done Sir.....well done

[@ninajones1175]

How beautiful!

[@deaconfrost4100]

Memories are one thing...tangible items...something they can actually touch and hold...to see his handwriting and to see what he felt and thought all these years later....that is a moment of kindness and love ❤️...and healing for both sides.

[@brmam1385]

Beautifully done story. I can only hope that CBS uses the story next Memorial Day. 👍♥🇺🇸

[@rosalynmcmanus3145]

If only everyone had the heart and compassion for others that this man has. Enemies and Foes alike still have a heart and soul. Bravo to this Man for he’s compassion for this family

[@markjfox866]

The hero,s of vietnam 🙏🏻👍🏻👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖

[@FredSmith-s5t]

An incredible story. I am a Vietnam vet but I was Navy. A completely different narritive. I think that the return of the diary is appropriate. Thank you. You did a wonderful thing.

[@Parrskey77]

a beautiful story, one of the most tragic, preventable wars in the 20th century, great man!

[@redbakery8943]

Great guy. This shows the tragic nature of wars and conflict.

[@nassermj7671]

Big of him. Beautiful soul

[@vtm1410]

This beautiful and emotional story resonates deeply with the experiences of many Vietnamese families who lost loved ones in the war. The woman who dedicated her life to the fallen soldier exemplifies the devotion and sacrifice of her generation. Many like her remained unmarried, living lonely lives as they devoted their souls to their loved ones. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to Peter Mathews. I wish him great health and hope he finds peace for the rest of his life. His actions have shown the true heart of humanity to the world. From a Vietnamese born in the 1980s in Hanoi and now live in Australia.

[@moopurce8973]

I am 70. I can't think of that era without getting choked up. I never was drafted and thankfully so. It was tough times for many. I remember the first killed from our small village. Have to wonder why? We are trade partners with Vietnam now. What a waste.

[@donkinzett3961]

What a fantastic story

[@TheRetirednavy92]

Happy story, God Bless.

[@janetsnyder911]

God Bless you both ❤ my brother CPL Walter James DANCER (Marines) didn't make it home. May 3rd 1968 Vietnam denag(sic).

[@normvw4053]

"Cry. Your tears testify to your love. And tears that spring from love help bring healing and renewal. Let your tears express the harsh reality of your loss. And let them begin to wash away the sadness and pain." Grief Therapy, (4).

[@margipinto7925]

Beautiful 🥺♥️

[@gaylagrider5866]

I love this and so happy the family has a little bit of their love one.

[@BoRanz-kr9zw]

BEAUTIFUL !!!!!

[@MichaelSmith-jb5md]

In memory of 58,044 brothers who never returned, may your spirts soar and souls be at rest. God bless you for the ultimate sacrifice you and your families selflessly gave an ungrateful government. RIP my brothers. May you be at peace Mr. Matthews God bless you.

[@andrewlisenby9693]

I read an account of a Japanese soldier from inside Iwo Jima before, during, and after the battle. Afterward, I started to see the ones "on the other side" as people just like us, with their own loves, dreams, and faults. I want to read more than only a sample of a book on German soldiers stationed in bunkers along Hitler's Atlantikwall. Coming from a family of WWII veterans, this is helping me see the other side. You did the right thing, sir. Welcome home, and may your rest be forever peaceful.

[@lorisharpe]

Amazingly beautiful

[@hillaryilinsky1009]

the affects of the vietnam war still effects many people of that generation to this day. people that served but weren't in vietnam , friends ,family , loved ones still feel the pain of schoolmates, brothers ,friends lost from the war then , since and even to this day the war is taking lives. it would make anyone cry.

[@samwhite7291]

Respect to this brother thank you for your service,you are so kindness and peace

[@dennisleporte2327]

What an amazing example of human compassion.

[@georgewilliamsiii4677]

This kind of thing is special. He got to go home.

[@45beetle]

Bless you sir

[@janetmiller2980]

Cao Van Tuat kept a beautifully written and illustrated diary. Peter Matthews did an amazing deed holding onto and returning it to his family. Blessings to all

[@pbinsb3437]

US was drafting anyone they could, even foreigners that were living in America temporarily. My brother-in-law was also from Holland and he received his raft papers. Luckily a lawyer saved him from being drafted because my brother-in-law had served in the army in Holland, which was a member NATO.

[@nancymanly2904]

My British brother-in-law received his draft notice just weeks after he got his green card. He was promised US citizenship in return for serving. He was injured in Vietnam and receives VA disability. He tried to get his promised citizenship without success. For years he was very bitter and said he wouldn’t give up his British citizenship. Over time he has mellowed. I’m going to contact our congressional representatives to see if I can get it for him.

[@xxxxxx-tq4mw]

I had a friend, now passed, who was a Norwegian merchant seaman, and he was drafted while berthed in N.YC., very intelligent, so was given an MOS, servicing missile batteries at remote sites, in Vietnam, South Korea, Germany, etc. ,doing 20+ yrs, although on the negative side, he also developed a drinking problem.

[@Joanla1954]

Beautiful!

[@Jaysin261]

This is so sad and beautiful

[@mitchellchancey9154]

I have a picture of a Vietnamese man I befriended while serving there 69-70.I gave him my watch when I left VN.Always wondered if he lived.Phu Cat village.so sad this crazy war.

[@BrianHanley-j3n]

My Vietnam buddy who passed nearly 2 years ago served at Phu Cat Air Base in 1969-1970. Where you in the Air Force?

[@MrHoodlum420]

Good to see humanity still lives on.

[@belladonna131]

I FEEL LIKE HE LOST A PART OF HIMSELF RETURNING THE DIARY, BUT HE KNEW IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. HE SHARED SOMETHING WITH THE MAN WHO WROTE THE DIARY. THE TIME THEY SHARED IN VIETNAM EVEN THOUGH HE NEVER MET THE MAN. EVEN A HATRED FOR AMERICA AT THE TIME FOR DIFFERENT REASONS. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT FOR HIM TO RELINQUISH THE DIARY TO THE MAN'S FAMILY, BUT I THINK HE PUT HIMSELF IN THE PLACE OF THE FAMILY AND THOUGHT WHAT IF THIS WAS HIS FAMILY? HE'D WANT HIS FAMILY TO HAVE HIS DIARY TO BE IN THE HANDS OF HIS FAMILY. SO, HE DID THE RIGHT THING. IT MEANT SO MUCH TO THE FAMILY. IT'S THE ONLY THING THEY HAVE OF THEIR BROTHER, UNCLE. THANK HEAVEN HE SAVED IT AND NEVER TURNED IT IN TO THE U.S. GOVERNMENT. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DESTROYED. WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN, A GREAT SOLIDER AND HUMANITARIAN. ❤

[@zombiespongebob6903]

beautiful story.... we still need to bring back the rest of our brothers, but good to see we can give back some closure the the other way