Joseph Giannini - USMC 1967-68 | Vietnam War

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Joseph Giannini served with the US Marines in Vietnam from 1967-68. Joesph grew up in Long Island, New York, graduated from Hofstra University, and served with the First Battalion, Third Marines. He is retired from his criminal law practice of more than 40 years. If you would like your story to be part of our achievement please email us at [e-mail]
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[@robertodebeers2551]

I served three years in the Army during the Vietnam War. This warrior story by Joseph Giannini is one more reason why I respect Marines.

[@timp3035]

God Speed roberto

[@edwardkorek9189]

Semper Fi. Viet Nam, November 67 to July 69. Like you, I joined the Corps knowing I would be going to Viet Nam. I wanted to have the best training in hopes of surviving. You are a true HERO. I was the lucky one, being assigned to the Air Wing. Brother be well.

[@carolancarey992]

my husband was in Vietnam 68 thru 69 he died at 47 from the same heart disease that this man has. Thank you for your service sir

[@jcaleca60]

sorry about your husband I thank him for his service 🙏

[@belfastlad55]

Thanks to all who served

[@dougshadrick9776]

Thank you for your Service and sacrifice

[@Nam-id7kj]

As a combat Vietnam Vet Army 67 & 68, I know those demons all too well. It's always there. I was sprayed with AO often and had cancer in 80. I've said for years as you LT, it's all about luck. None of us thought we'd go home. I was 22 when I returned to the world. The hard part was my team was still in the fight, I wasn't & I continued to receive letters of young warriors KIA who I served with. Welcome back, brother. Semper Fi!

[@user-tv9de3wu4d]

Only a marine like this marine could really understand the pain that goes on for years and years and years, reflecting on the lost. At the Marine Corps ball Geneva, Switzerland, I was sitting there a man came over to me who worked in USAID the name of Mr Sherry. He said he was with the third Marines that came in and evacuated 2/4’s deceased, sergeant major. I was wounded before this battle. This man is talking about . Call it the battle of dai doh or the battle for Dong Ha. Many of those dead marines in the ditch i knew. Semper Fi my friend.

[@petercofrancesco1620]

William J. Ricca Born December 1945, From Flatbush , Also Kings County Hospital. 82nd Airborne Vietnam . Thank You For Serving , All You Vietnam Veterans !

[@paulshanahan135]

God Bless you and thank you for your service. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@mgunny05]

Another down to earth, humble combat vet from Nam. Just laying it all out and let the chips fall wear they may. Semper Fi Marine.

[@quanloidecker6163]

God bless you brother. I met you some years ago while doing the PATV documentary. Welcome home.

[@commonsense9494]

God bless you and thank you for your service

[@papagcortellino5283]

Welcome Home, Brother. Like you, a Long Island Boy. Served in US Army. Was at Phu Bai/Pleiku/Central Highlands/173d Abn/4th Inf, 1969-70. A childhood friend, a former Marine survived, though wounded twice at the infamous Khe Sanh 75day siege. He too, as I also, diagnosed with Agent Orange (non hodgkin's lymphoma). I come to youtube to hear stories like yours, and to know, we are not alone. Your story is another inspiration. Be Strong, God Bless!

[@WalterArritt]

Ran into an ex warhead at the Jerry L Pettis VA hospital. He admitted he wanted to be John Wayne. He was wounded at Khe Sanh This guy brought veterans off the street and got them jobs T the VA he was from.Whittier A hero to me and all that met him.

[@billj1036]

56 years, 27 August 1967. Edward L Johnson RIP Brother, SEMPER FI.

[@Jimmy-zo7xv]

Semper Fi, true warrior

[@IfbbProRolandcHazard]

I can listen to these gents all day and never get tired. Have a sandwich, something to drink and keep listening. The value of just listening and learning is like gold to me.

[@USAWarriorStories]

Thank you for following our USA Warrior Stories! Let us know if you want to share yours! Nick

[@charliemartin4392]

Im light green. It's like gold to alot of us B Co. 1/3 0311 enlisted the day after 9/11. Would've been an air winger cause my gt was damn near perfect, but at meps I found out at the age of 21, I'm color blind (which explains a lot), so I went infantry (against the wishes of my uncle who was marine arty during ass end of nam) 0300 you made it. Went to Hawaii, cross trained as a 31 for first deployment, and took scout swimmer school in work ups for second deployment cause we were the boat company. Alpha was the track co, we were boat, Charlie was helo. Miss alot of people and feel like I let a lot down, every day of my life. Sometimes it's ok, sometimes I stare at the ceiling til its time to work. No time for weakness cause that don't feed the babies. But these stories put things into perspective, and need to be appreciated because civilians don't have a clue what freedom costs. Thank you for putting these together

[@actionjackson8439]

@@charliemartin4392civilians don't know what freedom costs? More like civilians didn't fall for the mind control and propaganda to sign up to fight for corrupt politicians that you have never and will never meet. You were played. I would have more respect for you if you could admit it.

[@1murder99]

I spent almost my whole time in the field as an FO in the Que Son valley. I was there from October 1968 to May 1969.

[@alstahl8574]

Semper Fi brother! Thanks for your story!

[@user-zk4oe7mc8n]

Glad you made it back . Live your life to its fullest.

[@wtpence4731]

GOD Bless you,Sir.

[@ryanmoore9029]

WELCOME HOME !!! Joe,Thank you for your service!!!

[@Chiller01]

Your story is important. Thanks for telling it.

[@peteschiavoni]

Welcome home LT!! Great story.

[@truthneverchangeswakeup2762]

Thank you for sharing your experience, the courage to be vulnerable. I'm the daughter of a Marine. My dad and his 4 brothers joined the Marine Corps. I was born 1952 followed by 3 brothers. We lived in Oceanside. My dad was D. I. I was his mini me except I was a girl. My mom would work at the base dry cleaning and I would go along with her. I was 5 he old and I would stand next to my dad call out commands. If any guy so much as slightly grinned it was brutal! I would say, Hey Soldier. I recently found pictures taken of me with my dad, guys that made it thru boot camp, I'm sitting up on tank, Jeep. Because of my experience and memories of those times I grew up with an understanding of what Semper Fidelis means. I know that Marines never come home complete.. I have spent time learning about Vietnam War. I have been blessed to know Marines that lived in the back Country of Alaska because of PTSD. Your sharing the hellish experience of Vietnam War will help other's that need to know they're not alone! Thank you for telling your experience. kathléen Pacific Northwest 🕊️🇺🇲

[@HWG-wm8ld]

You called us soldiers?

[@greghowarth2540]

Two years ago my brother sent me a box of letters I had written when I was in the Marine Corps . It's in my closet I haven't opened them yet.

[@chrissymac9174]

God bless you and your family and thank you for your immense bravery x

[@jcaleca60]

Thank you for your service

[@boomersD9CAT]

Thank you for your service sir! Much respect 🇺🇸✊

[@annaover60]

thank you for everything! you have my outmost respect!

[@lyleteresa7788]

I feel so blessed that I I got to hear your story my husband was in Vietnam in 1967 too. I want to tell you welcome home and thank you for your service.you guys have been so mistreated from the day you came home and the years you’ve had to suffer from the affects of agent orange and the water in Camp Lajuene. When a doctor told my husband about Operation stand down we were shocked because no one ever told him that there was help for Vietnam veterans suffering from agent orange.now he gets the help he should of gotten years ago.thank you so much and God bless you

[@TracyGunz]

Thank you for your service.

[@rvierra7235]

Thank you for your service, Sir.

[@charliemartin4392]

Thank you from a 35 year younger marine. Welcome home brother

[@prestoni]

My unit 1/50th Mechanized Infantry Battalion attached to the 173rd Airborne was near Happy Valley in the Bong Son area (North of Quin Nhon). I served there 69-70. 100% disabled.

[@M21L35]

More than 20 years ago now I was blessed w/a crackerjack VA disability compensation representative. Thru her compassionate diligence she succeeded in obtaining compensation for my Ischemic coronary artery disease....in addition to my diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes & anxiety disorder (PTSD). Her name is Linda DePons & I am in her debt eternally, for her compassionate diligence!

[@strikingdistance2898]

God bless this man

[@markusbracey5229]

My dad was in that battle with you. The battle of dong ha. He was with the recon platoon that came to assist from guarding a bridge. I'm writing his book. Thank you for YOUR SERVICE MARINE.

[@USAWarriorStories]

Let us know if interested in doing a Warrior Story with us! [e-mail] Thanks! Nick

[@markusbracey5229]

@@USAWarriorStories IM DEFINITELY INTERESTED. POPS WAS ALSO CAUGHT TWICE BY THE VIETCONG NEVER SHOT OR TAKEN POW. I got some stories for you. The 12 day battle on hill 881. Yeh I got some stories Pops could see the enemy in mass Doing recon. 7733410373. Markus Bracey I'm a GULF war veteran as well. Served Army and Navy. Thank you for the support.

[@mediamannaman]

Please keep writing. You have your memories and all of those letters to help document your journey. It is a story worth telling and preserving. Thank you for your service. My dad fought in Korea and Nam. I so wish that he would have told me more of what he went through in those wars. It matters. Now I'll never know. Please keep writing and tell your whole story. I served as a lieutenant for 5 years but never saw combat. Semper Fi.

[@jcaleca60]

Thank you for your service and welcome home

[@lepanhman]

Thank U for your bravery & service sir .God bless yourself & your family

[@katherinegates1559]

✌️🇺🇸 Thank you so very much for your Service...Welcome home and God Bless you always. All of Our Vietnam Veterans are... Amongst The Bravest.🇺🇸 Never To Be Forgotten...💞✌️

[@JeepWrangler1957]

Thank you so much.

[@katherinegates1559]

🇺🇸✌️ Semper Fi 🇺🇸

[@67Stu]

You mentioned your draft board was in Great Neck. I'm originally from Great Neck, as is my mother. Thank you for your service Captain Giannini. 🙏🏻

[@feltwedge]

Thanks for sharing your experiences and for serving with such dedication and honor as an example for those of us who followed in your footsteps.

[@codysden1]

Thank you so much .. your sacrifices, service and dedication is what helped pave the way for me to stand on those yellow footprints... I am eternally indebted to you. I am proud to be a member of the greatest fraternity in the world.... The Brotherhood of the United States Marine Corps..... I love you my Brother....

[@williamroberson2379]

God bless you for all your experiences.

[@dkcorderoyximenez3382]

We owe you, Marine...🙏

[@biojoe8676]

Thanks for sharing, Joe. Keep writing ✍️ ✨️

[@MrSTOUT73]

Welcome home. Thank you.

[@pseltoro4]

Thank you sir.

[@Tet68]

You saved our ass at Dong Ha. Thank you and God Bless.

[@chloekit4861]

He literally saved your life ?

[@gravityalwayswins1434]

Wow Sam--- that was probably the most engrossing telling of a personal story about 'nam experience, and I have watched quite a few. God Bless you Joe..

[@littlepils4187]

great story one of the better ones i have seen

[@richardelias2674]

I was in Vietnam 1968, USMC! Semper Fi, multiple Purple Hearts!

[@richdillon1221]

Awesome stories incredible man LOVE THE PODCAST ALSO THANK YOU

[@ronalddecesaris6115]

These stories are so riveting These men should all get medals just for what they went thru U are truly the best

[@RPOTW]

I remember hearing these stories in person when we met at the Vietnam Veterans Surfer's Paddle out in San Diego. The Dai Do story in particular gave me chills. The NVA soldier who was within feet of grabbing you while he was laughing was crazy. Anyway, this was a great video Joe. Love you brother, keep up the good work. Semper Fi.

[@dataseeker7460]

Thank you for your service. We will be hearing similar stories in a few years from those that fought in the Iraq and Afghan wars.

[@katherinegates1559]

✌️🇺🇸 Love and Peace to all of Our Brave Veteran's...Always.🇺🇸 Never To Be Forgotten...💞 God Bless All...🇺🇸

[@Surv1ve_Thrive]

Thank you for these interviews. Great to learn. Have been reading about this war all my life as lots to learn in so many ways. 🇬🇧👍🇺🇸

[@boknows3841]

I'm going through the Agent Orange and I was not even there. My Uncle brought stuff home. Blue blankets with USAF on them and bullet holes in them that were sewn over with a sewing machine and white thread. Canteens, clothes that I even wore to school. I guess that was why they took everything from you when you out processes before you went home and why they gave you all new clothes and a new uniform. The old stuff didn't fit anymore. I wore my dad navy pea coat when I was in jr high. We were poor and did not have much of anything. Thanks for sharing your story..

[@davidkensinger7581]

I served with 1st Tank Battalion in central and southern I Corps in 66/67 and operated all the way from Da Nang/An Hoa/Tam Ky to the edge of 2 corps. Prior to that I was in the 1st Provisional rifle company where we plugged the holes in the lines around Chu Lai and operated with Korean Marines on several occasions. Saw a lot of the countryside and witnessed too much death. I had that agent orange bathing experience! I suffered severe hearing loss due to gunfire in my left ear and now live with near constant vertigo and frequent motion sickness, constant ringing in my ears. I started taking writing classes in 2004 and have written many chapters about my experience in the RVN and afterward. It was very beneficial, helping me with anger issues and giving me a greater perspective on the war. I hope I can read some of your stuff someday, you are a good story teller with a very solid style.

[@commonsense9494]

God Bless you and your family and Thank you for your service...God bless America

[@richarda.2936]

I was there with 1st Bn 11th 1st mar div. 67-68

[@USAWarriorStories]

David, Let us know if you would be interested in doing a USA Warrior Story with us? Thanks

[@richarda.2936]

I was at CHU Lia April 67 2nd Bn 11th mar. 1st Mar Div.then the Roc Marines took over we went to Danang 1st mar Div HoeAnn Tam key then operation Hue City

[@samuelparker9882]

What FANTASTIC advice, and loving words of support and caring that your wife gave to you. Most important, you took her advice/suggestions, and; did the work and it helped!!!! GOOD FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

[@georgeloquvam2550]

Thank you Joseph

[@jaybales3160]

Thanks for sharing Marine. SemperFi. Hand salute

[@justinhealey2408]

My dad used to go surf in Long Beach LIs. before and after he went..he said he was hoping to surf in Vietnam but didnt. Crazy story glad u made it back

[@michaelhussein870]

Thank you for your service! U are a great speaker, have a gift. Sure Ur writing is awesome. Semper Fi.

[@francabruno9281]

Dearest comrade, God bless you and your buddies who served in Vietnam. Semper fi, Frankie t, 1st marines PENDLETON.

[@NormanL-sj9ci]

I'm glad you have embraced not only life but your life, semper fi

[@garrywagner7717]

Thankyou brother!

[@WFOHara-gt8ku]

Semper Fi Brother. Thank you for opening up like that. I'm sorry to hear of your divorce. I'll pray that things come together for you and that peace will remain with you from now on.

[@hillaryilinsky1009]

amen.

[@rayreyes2490]

Awesome! Best of luck and thank you for your service Sir👊👊

[@allenbuck5589]

My brother was taken by orange cancer two years ago. Made the landing in 65. Semper fi we served together.

[@mikegrace8635]

Thank You For Your Service...

[@pekolucky]

Thank you Joe for sharing your experiences with us. It takes great courage to self disclose, but it is so therapeutic. I was fortunate. I served between the Korean War and the Viet Nam War. (My brother reminds me that timing is everything.). When I got out I too, read Bernard Fall's book, Street Without Joy. Very enlightening. God bless and Semper Fi.

[@msmirandagirl]

Welcome home Sir.

[@woodscw50]

father my brother the walk brothers team 54 years brother

[@jonbeams9786]

Semper fi brother

[@FBT9356]

My boy didn’t make it Marines fill up Heaven

[@actionjackson8439]

No they are in hell. Do you really think DI's in boot camp are getting them ready for heaven? Lol wow

[@davidholt9136]

Sorry for your loss. Marines guard the streets of heaven according to The Marine Corps Hymn. ❤❤❤ Semper Fi. USMC 68-70. RVN 69-70

[@richardelias2674]

Semper Fi!

[@andyseman5005]

Semper Fi Sir!!!

[@user-zg8ru3it9q]

I was there in '65 and '68 and just like you in ended up with agent orange poisoning. Well Done Brother

[@williamroberson2379]

Forget the politics of the time, you’re a servant in your service to our nation.

[@billhead5148]

Semper Fi Joe, this photo is of me, at my last tour of Duty in RVN attached to 1st Military Police Bn, in Danang. I did my 1st two tours with 1st Bn 3rd Marines, 3rd Mar Div. in Country RVN to include the SLF in the South China Sea attached to the USS Vancouver LPD2.

[@williamcoe9200]

To Joseph...I hope you get this.i also suffer from PTSD.the VA is treating me for it now.for therapy there is something else can to help.just sit down and write about it or anything else and it will help.i do that everyday and it does help.....thank for your service

[@trinovantian1]

What a guy.

[@sluzardo5879]

He is a Hero just as all the Vets from Vietnam... God Bless..

[@islandtat3414]

I love this! I understand him after 4 tours in Iraq as an infantryman.

[@davidlee7722]

Wow, excellent video

[@mryellowcrown]

Always Faithful.

[@marinegrunt6633]

I was with Lima Co., 3dBn,4thMar......Semper Fi ....same time frame

[@USAWarriorStories]

Let us know if you would like to do an interview with us?

[@jeffstepp8893]

please contact me, my uncle was KIA from your unit, email: [e-mail]

[@chloekit4861]

@@jeffstepp8893 are you gonna do an interview? It’s appreciated I love hearing soldiers stories it makes a war come to life

[@zelphx]

Joseph, you made this "tough he-man" cry; not an easy task. God bless you, and our 'Nam war dead.

[@tiredlawdog]

My wife and I were just talking about a friend that was in the army over there. That Agent Orange totally destroyed this man little by little. He was a hell of a man too. I would not have wanted to ever fight him. He was in army recon. Took years, but it finally took him down. Thanks to all the men and women that served in that "war". God bless you all.

[@sgtcrab2569]

More people should have read "Street Without Joy"

[@marijooneill8015]

So many of these stories some so very very sad and its hard to listen to sòme of them, after all the years ago I had friends that went some cane back some didn't. Too too SAD.

[@recon20671]

True heroes

[@cattnipp]

Thank you. This helps me remember how shitty the decision to put boots down in Vietnam. Horrific government failure at the expense of the people.

[@xipingpooh5783]

Semper Fidelis 🇺🇸 1983-1989

[@2385437]

2002 vietnam trip i was made national hero then gave medal hat etc....was in toui tre news paper and on tv hanoi msnbc.

[@nicholashenkelman4095]

I was in 2/4 4th marines in Hawaii 1965. one night we were loaded onto trucks for Pearl Harbor to be sent to Vietnam. A gunnery sgt ordered me off-I wasn't on the list. They sent me to FMFPac (camp Smith). I've always regretted that. Several days later I watched the 4th Marines land at Chu Lai. I've always regretted being left behind. 9

[@petesowa6942]

Prayers for you, Nicholas, that is baggage no Marine would ever give you to carry. Semper Fi, my brother.

[@iammclovinyeah]

Semper Fi!

[@frankhinkle5772]

Welcome home Mr. Giannini.

[@danpollard4210]

Not luck.but the Grace of God.

[@allenbuck5589]

Semper fi