How a tagged-and-bagged soldier was saved from the dead

Everyone in John Colone's unit thought he was dead after he was shot four times in 1968 during the Vietnam War. They were so certain, they put him in a body bag and sent him to the morgue. Lucky for Colone, the morgue had a very thorough attendant. Steve Hartman had to hear this story for himself.

[@el7jake]

He's alive 'cause one man went the extra mile in his job.

[@chriswesterfield2042]

Very, very few posters even mentioned the amazing medical officer!!! He is the star of the story. Without him, there is no story.

[@el7jake]

I hope they had a chance to meet.

[@jenkinsmay75]

John - I hope you will see this note. You asked why me? And I ask - why not you? You deserve a life for what you been through and are making a difference to those who have been lost. Why not you...

[@bobpeckinpaugh2550]

And his comrades needed a spokesman to remember, and that was Mr. Colone.

[@cdorsey6361]

One of those who died in his platoon was a good friend of mine. Seeing John point to him saying that he had been killed was sad, moving and heartbreaking. It was a very sad time for his family and friends. John was lucky and our Viet Nam Vets were never fully appreciated back them. John, thank you for your service!

[@elliottspence]

Sorry for your loss.

[@faithfulchica1861]

I am sorry for your loss - I hope that this tribute and seeing your friend's name "remembered" on the show brought you some relief. I am touched by your sharing that with us now - and feel you're doing a wonderful job honoring your friend that was lost. R.I.P.

[@lardlover3730]

Sorry for you loss

[@nouseforanamelucky13]

I'm sorry to hear that.. my condolences 💖

[@gregmottola8539]

That guy probably gets the shivers every time he hears a zipper.

[@Gary-xg9px]

The soldier back from the dead story is so touching and moving . I am a Marine Veteran from Vietnam and I'm so glad that Army soldier was spared. We all lost too many friends and buddies in that War. God bless that Lt. that did that test.

[@michealsharp8117]

I love "on the road with Steve Hartman" ... I wish the segments were longer .. I've seen a lot of good ones but my favorite still is girl meets grumpy old man in grocery store. I was sad when he passed.. anyways back to this story... I may be wrong but it almost sounds like Steve is about to cry when he talks about the flowers on the headstones towards the end of the video ... Or when he puts his hands to face when the Good sir points out who died that day... Steve Hartman is a good man with a heart of gold... He also has good kids who respects folks ..

[@ANGELSANCHEZ-mp6cc]

That's one of my favorite stories......(girl meets grumpy man)

[@miramotaal3134]

What an amazing story! On so many levels! It also shows why it's of utmost importance to do your job well! No matter what it is.

[@winkk911]

Thank goodness for officer Washington!!!

[@Birddogdog]

I wonder how many other soldiers were tagged and bagged while still alive? There is a member of the Veteran's Association in Amagansett, NY, who claims he was also tagged and bagged. He says that just before he was to be buried at sea, a soldier noticed movement. He was found alive in the bag, again...just moments before the point of no return. Thank God this morgue soldier, Steve Hartman, saved John!

[@samanthab1923]

How wonderful that he was saved at the last minute & able to live in a beautiful place by the sea 🌊

[@0r0r0]

Wow. The one man who wasn't asked to go the extra mile did, and saved a life. I'm not religious, but bless them both!

[@kristinamyslowski5193]

I know there are many, but I lost my Uncle Phillip to this war. I do not think those that served were ever shown enough love and respect. I will never stop trying to show it. Our family will never forget. (I was not alive when he passed on, but the importance of remembering still remains important)

[@voraciousreader3341]

These are such great stories, and Hartman is such a great storyteller...amazing.

[@musicbykenny8218]

Damn! That's freaking awesome. I've never thought about that. I'll start with my Grandfather. I haven't visited his grave since he passed over 40 years ago.

[@awoolfy]

As someone who's father came to the US from Vietnam a year after the Vietnam, I will never stop thanking the soldiers who fought in that war for the people and of course all the other wars but being Vietnamese this will always have a place in my heart and my family. Father from Vietnam getting through the Vietnam war and mother who survived the Pol Pot Regime(different event). Thank you truly to those soldiers.

[@juliusroman8616]

Wow, never seen anyone else mention Pol Pot's regime.

[@ericsmithhart8509]

He’s alive because of Gods grace!

[@geraldkneeland1498]

Amen brother 🙏. God is so good! Glory hallelujah 🙌

[@chvid2009]

I'm glad you're alive John. Any life saved is wonderful. Thank you for your service and the good you are doing.

[@cornonthecob1268]

Incredible story! John ,thank you for all you and your friends Did for us !

[@RVCIpodHelp]

These are beautiful videos

[@maryjordan813]

Thank you for your service sir. God Bless you and yours.

[@mrguitar5051]

John I was born that day in 68 I honestly believe that I came back from someone to show how passion and love never disappears

[@patriciawilliams4314]

He could also say “why not me.” ❤️

[@mikeydan]

I feel like I need to stop watching Steve Hartman... I am left in tears after each clip...

[@marilynphan277]

Thank you John Colone for your service to our country. GOD bless you Sir!

[@mnight207]

The morgue attendant certainly didnt get enough credit for this one. He was the sole reason for this man being alive

[@kroakie4]

No, he’s the sole reason this man wasn’t buried alive. God is the only one worthy of credit for life.

[@mnight207]

@@kroakie4 I absolutely agree with you about God. Yahweh is King!

[@kroakie4]

Amen! Jesus is Lord! My relationship with Him has delivered me many times. He is good!! But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. - Psalm 59:16

[@mnight207]

@@kroakie4 Praise His Holy Name!

[@beataylorsdeeppinkecstasy9013]

​@@kroakie4 What was being said was that one man went the extra mile; if he hadn't, John would not be here telling that story-and neither would Lt. Washington. Too bad you didn't get that.

[@nancyhilliard1634]

Beautiful story 🥀

[@yajurjadcherla5808]

I had lunch with a Vietnam War veteran once and he told me about his experiences there. This story reminded me of when I went the extra mile and wore my "I Love Vietnam" t-shirt just for that special lunch.

[@toddstein5407]

I wonder if these two have ever met??

[@shellybee9322]

He makes me proud to be a Veterans Advocate

[@TheRescueDogs]

A wonderful and shocking story. Wow.

[@robertkarkos1880]

At the end of WWll my father in law traveled cross country by train. He had malaria but his buddies propped him up between them and answered for him during every roll call at every stop so that he would NOT get taken off the train until it arrived in NH. Shortly thereafter he was hospitalized at Cottage Hospital in Portsmouth NH. Ended up in the morgue with toe tag. Scared the orderly when he sat up and asked where the “L” he was.

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

Glad this soldier made it home!!

[@govcalif]

happy mem day all, remember them all.

[@Zorn76]

See the faces of those Men. They did their job. The rest of us are Here because of it.

[@Carpenterdane]

Wow! This is a great idea! I'm a veteran, I'm going to find a fallen soldier and honor them.

[@christinab.2864]

Should there be better checks to see who died and who not? Died or alive? Two completely different things.

[@meggrotte4760]

I'm just wondering why 10 people dislike this video. Is it not right to honor those who have given their lives to protect our freedoms?

[@beataylorsdeeppinkecstasy9013]

The only way this story could have been better is they had shown John and Curtis meeting.

[@harvestedpustules6897]

God dammit why couldn't I have seen this week ago

[@fabulius]

Adopting a grave, and taking care of a fallen soldier, either in the distant past or more recently, as a community is the least you can do. John Colone's efforts to get every Vietnam-war casualty (is that the right English word for a deceased soldier?) grave taken care of is to be applauded! It reminds me of the so called "bloemenmeisjes"/Flowergirls in the Netherlands at Airborne War Cemetery on liberation day (5th of May in the Netherlands) . And also at the school children in Holten (kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYLVao1uedOrr9E) on December 24th.

[@SuperRobvan]

how can we adopt a grave for flowers we need a link please

[@haninfadel4790]

War is evil

[@armybeef68]

2:25 I got dibs on my Dad.

[@armybeef68]

1:36 I want to know their names

[@SerDunk]

❤🫡

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