Larry Gwin - Battle of the Ia Drang Valley

Larry Gwin was commissioned as an infantry lieutenant out of Yale University in 1963. After two years with the 82d Airborne Division, he served as an advisor to a South Vietnamese Army battalion in the Mekong Delta before joining the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in September 1965. Larry Gwin then served as an executive officer for Alpha Company, 2/7 during the Battle of Ia Drang.
Photo credit:
Larry Gwin
Dan Arant
Footage credit: U.S. Army
Learn more about the Battle of Ia Drang: vvmf.org/topics/Ia-Drang
Learn more about VVMF: vvmf.org

[@danmurphy4472]

So sorry Mr. Gwin that y'all were treated like shit after Vietnam.........It is people like YOU SIR that make me PROUD to call myself an American.......WELCOME HOME SIR.......JOB WELL DONE !!

[@MrMattstearns]

His last statement sums up everything, for anyone who has served.

[@michaeldoolittle5102]

Yes, brings tears to my eyes s I too was spit on. When I returned July 68, leaving Travis AFB out the back gate, hundreds of protesters throwing tomatoes rotten stuff and eggs at our busses. Baby killer signs etc... I buried Vietnam for 35 years because of that incident

[@jeremykwanhongkok4221]

@@michaeldoolittle5102 I have seen that happened to many soldiers and Donut Dollies who returned home from Vietnam and it was extremely disrespectful and heartbreaking to witness them being subjected to intense abuse, ridicule and condemnation from their own fellow citizens and friends alike. They do not deserve these as human beings and honorable members of the armed forces. The war and politicians are the true evil not the soldiers and the supporting personnel of the armed forces. The Vietnam veterans deserve our compassion, empathy and comfort for the long-term recuperation after the war not torment.

[@noahdunaway]

@@michaeldoolittle5102 amen brother, welcome home ! I returned in November 70. Similar reception.

[@toddbollinger3902]

I'm a Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom vet, and The Wall was one of the most humbling experiences of my life.

[@paulsuprono7225]

And that monument, designed by a female graduate student from Yale School of Architecture, won the contest for this war's monument design ! 🇺🇸

[@jaywalker3087]

Freedom ?

[@ajay9429]

@@jaywalker3087 rather oil greed war..

[@chrispack5338]

Thank you sir for all that you have done for the United States. I was not in service but my father was as a Marine in Vietnam. I salute you and thank you for all that you have done for us thank you! You are honorable sir.

[@pushaplane]

Cpt. Larry Gwin is one of my hero’s. I found a paperback of “Baptism” in 2000, left in an airline seat back pocket. I read and re-read it several times and amongst the many lendings to others, I’ve lost track of that copy. I replaced it with an Audible copy and still enjoy listening to it. This is the first time I’ve seen a video of him relating, in brief, his experiences. It was probably more poignant for me because of the appreciation for his book. Thank you so much for sharing. Garyowen Sir!

[@rodfearnley2486]

Those that spat on the returning troops, have got to live with that moment in their lives, I hope they have sleepless nights wishing that they hadn’t.

[@fredmarshall6240]

As being a Vietnam Veteran I did visit the wall 5 years ago and had a really tuff time walking it. I spent 1 and 1/2 years in Vietnam and lost a bunch of friends there and remembering how I was treated when I came home even at my Church.

[@johnglover5071]

Welcome home

[@jamesray1439]

Thank you Fred, as one vet to another than you for your service.

[@fredmarshall6240]

@@jamesray1439 thanks for your support

[@labive]

I’m ashamed and so sorry you were treated so poorly.

[@brianw.5230]

@@fredmarshall6240 thanks for your service. God Bless.

[@gud2go50]

God Bless you and your men. Thank You Big Time.

[@LongStraightLines]

I have no words that are good enough, just a few tears. Thank you Larry Gwin, Hal Moore and everyone else that served.

[@psychopigeon8973]

Just finished his book, was one of the best Vietnam memoirs I've read

[@BlueWaterSTAX]

Well done Sir Thanks for your service and God Bless our Veterans ✌️

[@andrewlong489]

Thank you Larry

[@tonyhelms8023]

Thank you for your service. thank you for this interview, I have read the book we were soldiers. I have seen the movie with Mel Gibson. I have read the book the ghost of the green grass and I look forward to reading your book. May we never forget those who served and gave their lives for this country and their brothers at LZ Xray and LZ Albany. May God Bless!

[@jeremykwanhongkok4221]

BAPTISM is a highly interesting memoir written by former lieutenant Larry Gwin of the 2nd Battalion 7th Cavalry Division which chronicles the harrowing battle of the ambush at LZ Albany and a series of other operations such as the Bong Son campaign in the Northern theatre of the Vietnam war. Mr Gwin also recalls numerous issues with the rear-echelon troops, bust-ups in the camps and lighter moments during battle intermissions on the field.

[@adamr6794]

Best Chapter of any book ever.....Rescorla's Game

[@jeffdunn7474]

Don’t know why anyone would give this a thumbs down! Great video!

[@Hunter_Stonestreet]

The same people that call Vietnam veterans baby killers.

[@laughingdog185]

God bless the American veterans

[@daffyd5867]

And allies....aussies were there...

[@multitieredinvestor183]

Two Vietnam tours. I never have seen the wall. Supposed to go last year - Honor Flight, but COVID interrupted that. Hope to live long enough to see it!

[@Newsboydeposit]

Thank you for your gallant service Sir!

[@davidmcgahan5328]

Thank you for your service. God bless you.

[@jeremykwanhongkok4221]

Respect to the armed forces of the United States and all personnel: frontline, auxiliaries and civilian support units who served in all the different branches from the past, present and future. May God bless and protect those who are still serving and comfort those who still suffering from the terrible psychological effects of the war as well as grant peace to those who have passed from this world, and may they find rest in the Lord. Amen. In honor of all the Vietnam veterans, I humbly salute and extol your services for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and last but not least the Donut Dollies of the American Red Cross who risked their lives to provide a temporal but significant sense of hope, comfort and aid during the terrible war.

[@senior_ranger]

I did the banner year in Vietnam, Sept. 1967 to Sept. 1968 with Tet as our headliner!!! Later I lived in Alexandria, VA for 10 years and the Wall was my home. Many nights I went over there and just spent hours. Almost always, late at night, I was alone --- and I knew it was just me and 60,000 families aching with pain that can never be relieved. As I told Joe Galloway last time I saw him in Sacramento, I can't do it anymore. As Leonard Cohen sang, "Sail on, oh might ship of State, sail on..." I'll be here on the shore, sitting on the dock of the bay as I heard Otis sing so many times during my tour.

[@jimthegatekeeper59]

Thank you all for your service!!! My dad and big brother were Vietnam vets. I love and respect you all! I was told how you guys were treated when you came home and it makes me sick to this day.

[@davidhack6789]

WELCOME HOME BROTHER!

[@johnniebriggs9393]

Thank you for your service! Semper Fi! 🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@ralphmoran6661]

I was in Vietnam all through 1966 and again in 1969 for 7 months then Evaced out to Japan then to the States. I was discharged 6 months later with a 100% disability. I have never gone to the wall and I never will even visit the portable wall. Too many names were my friends and the way we were treated by both the government and the American people when I came home has left a very bitter taste in my mouth. I and my friends fought as hard as anyone could with the equipment and food we had. The worst was when we called for Medivac for our wounded and they would not come in because we had South Vietnamese wounded with us. I have no desire to return to Vietnam or remember my times there although I cannot forget that war or that place or those people the memories run like a VCR in my head some good most bad many I would like to forget.

[@jasonblaha6169]

You need to go.

[@wintercook2]

God bless you.

[@danmurphy4472]

Thank You Mr. Gwin for EVERYTHING !!.........AMERICAN HERO !!

[@robertmaxwell3548]

Sad thing about this War, more of us Veterans from Nam are Dying from agent Orange,than Men killed in Combat.

[@tomchristian9722]

Thank you for your service sir, and welcome home

[@avelezusmc7929]

Thank you for your service Semper Fi

[@threevisum3271]

I'm fascinated by Vietnam Vets, a very unique group of people. amazing stories, I'd love to chat with a few of them over a couple of beers.

[@bradbradley353]

My folks knew and lived near Joel S. at Ft. Benning and speak highly of him. Dads West Point classmates were A 1/7 and B 1/7 Co-commanders from X-ray. Had the pleasure of meeting them both in 2018 at their 60th reunion. All of you from that time are the best of the best. I appreciated your book a great deal and have read it several times. Thank you for all that you and your troopers did. Gary Owen Sir…and welcome Home…

[@adamr6794]

The men who went back to X-Ray and Albany in 1993 with Day One offer some of the most compelling commentary and interviews I have ever heard of any battle and none more than Larry Gwin. "Anybody whose never walked a Battlefield of two-three hundred torn bloating American and North Vietnamese bodies they shouldn't feel qualified to talk about the glory of war because there is none"

[@RStevenPage]

That may be true. But some soldiers sign up for two and three tours. Meaning the experience of war is not the same for everybody.

[@adamr6794]

@@RStevenPage Agreed. I believe Gwin and his friends experienced something so profound they were not likely to volunteer for more. Although many were ordered to return. Such as Myron Diduryk.

[@RStevenPage]

@@adamr6794 What's interesting to me is how the operations journals for LZ Albany have been missing for decades. No answer as to why. Like someone was covering up as to why the 2/7 had no air cover, no artillery support, and not even the use of their own helicopters to fly out, which numbered at 435 according to the book.

[@thomashibben3247]

From the bottom of my heart, Mr. Gwin- Welcome Home, sir.

[@downtown4028]

Larry, I am so sorry for how the country treated you. My cousin is Joe Galloway... my Uncle Jack Galloways nephew. Blessings pal.... one day, in heaven with the troopers again. Love.

[@jamesray1439]

If you haven’t seen the wall, I highly recommend it. For as simple as it is, it’s powerful at the same time.

[@carolinadog8634]

Thank you for everything sir!🇺🇸

[@davidchilders9378]

Great words about your experiences and leadership. Thanks for your sacrifices then and now. Bless you.

[@jimburnsjr.]

Brother.. you don't even have to hate the war... it was started by men like me... some people were being attacked by a bully... the people wanted freedom... and they asked a man like me to help them stand up to the bully.... the war was right from the start.. it was politicized and made into a weapon to badmouth both peoples who wanted to stand up to the bully... ... .. .i love you, thank you for being you... i know i can count on you to take care of people ... i believe everything i can respect about myself... came from men like you. that big black scar in the ground... to me... represent's a small number of men underfoot.... the foundation that lifts up Freedom, that lifts up the ability for any man to raise a son who is told to stand up to the bullies.... the names on the wall are a small sample of countless men that lay beneath us ... as we will lay beneath the feet of your great great grand children. you have the God Given right to be proud... your service.. was honorable... the liars tongue created a perception of dishonor.. . the desire of that liar gave you a life of hardship.... .. but your service was clean and right with God.... you minded your obligation ... that obligation that all men share ... the one that makes all men equal.... their obligation to try to take care of the future. you did right; thank you for that.... please tell your brothers what I said... have no shame.... you are good in God's eyes.... his craftsmanship in you... was spot on... and beautiful beyond words. i love you.

[@ronaldwhalen8143]

Amazing man not much more you can say. Thanks for your service sir.

[@0patience4flz]

I love this man.

[@kennethb.dillard6899]

I served in Ia Drang as well but i was with 2Bn 503rd INF 173rd ABN BDE rough tour but made it home

[@AW1Lucky]

"Hate the war if you want, but don't hate the guys you sent, and for Christ' sake, when they come home; don't spit on them!". September 1972, Chicago's O'Hare Airport as a PFC just out of Basic training in new 'Class A' uniform, never set foot in RVN, got spit at and called a baby killer. Blatant public humiliation. And everyone in that busy airport who witnessed it, including all the old guys, WWII and Korea veterans, just turned their heads and looked the other way.... June 1975 returning from 16 months in ROK same thing in San Francisco. Everyone just looked the other way. After that, through 1992, whenever I returned from overseas, I am not in uniform, I will not be publicly shamed again. And now you have allowed the Communists to run the country? "Thank you for your service." Yeah right, got it....

[@martinbruce6651]

I served almost 6 years (86-92) I was lucky it was peace time. Germany 4 years active 2 in the guard. I went to a bar years later and ran into a nam vet and thanked him for his service .he started crying and said I was the only one who ever welcomed him home...... needless to say the beer started flowing.

[@stephenhenion8304]

Vietnam, that distant strip of coast line. It cost so much , for so many. Thank you for your service. You are a True American Hero!

[@Duff-ku7it]

Walter "Bud" Marme earned the Congressional Medal of Honor in the battle at LZ EX-RAY. He's from Washington, Pennsylvania. A city southwest of Pittsburgh. I took my first Communion at IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Church right next to IMMACULATE CONCEPTION High school where Walter Marme went to high school. When I was on the Jr. High wrestling team at McGuffey we wrestled I.C.at that school.

[@kawikadavid8958]

My uncles were in the Vietnam War, they said it was a very tough war. Much respect to all of those who fought in the Vietnam War.

[@BosnWayne]

Well done. Thank you. I loved your book Sir. Gary Owen....

[@roymcewen8203]

Thank You for making this insightful video and Thank You Sir For Your Service 🇺🇸 👍🏻

[@earlgeorge7573]

thank you for your service

[@charlesoneill466]

Thank you, sir.

[@jeffvaughn6466]

Thank you.

[@jafo766]

Larry Gwin you are as famous as Hal Moore ! 4 faces always appear in my mind when thinking of the Ia Drang Battle, Hal Moore Joe Galloway Larry Gwin and Sgt Plumley.

[@atlantakat68]

Larry, thank you for bravery. Moore and company loves you... even now. Blessings...

[@mattroberson8679]

I served in the 82nd during the 1st gulf. My batt was the 1st there. And some of the last to come home. Because of how the nam vets(our parents) were brought home from Vietnam. They wouldnt let us be brought home that way. They made sure we came home under honor and a heroes welcome. Though we are not heroes for coming home they treated us with dignity and respect. And our generation has to carry that banner for the generations after us.

[@duanesmith5074]

I got out of boot camp November 22nd 1974. San Diego naval recruit training. They gave us our civilian clothes back and told us we were going to go home in our civilian clothes not our navy uniforms. They dropped us off at the San Diego airport where we were greeted by civilian protesters that spit on us as we walked the gauntlet line with sea bags on our shoulders wearing civilian clothes. We just got out of boot camp . That I have never forgotten it is something that you never forget.

[@laurenced2916]

His book Baptism is one of my favourite Vietnam books

[@aaaht3810]

I highly recommend anyone interested in the Viet Nam war read Mr. Gwin's book "Baptism" as well as Gen. Hal Moore's "We Were Soldiers Once...and Brave". Both are very well written and informative. I would especially recommend them to those too young to remember the war and only know it through movies and TV. Also, the 1993 episode of ABC's program "Day One" entitled "They Were Young and Brave" which follows army vets (including Gwin and Moore) back to the actual Ia Drang battlefields of LZ X-Ray and LZ Albany in Viet Nam is posted to KZbin in its entirety. Very well done and worth your time.

[@daveg8993]

Minor correction; Hal Moore's book is titled 'We Were Soldiers Once, and Young'. You are right, it is a very powerful accounting of the battle in the Ia Drang Valley. The movie of the same name does not cover the battle at LZ Albany. Intense.

[@aaaht3810]

@@daveg8993 You are correct David. Should have looked it up to make sure.

[@RobertFaultersack]

to ALL those of you who fought for my freedom. THANK YOU, Welcome Home, and There is somebody here who Does love you. I wish I could give you all a hug. I am proud of you. you are Loved By at the very least me and my family. My Grandfather was in world war 2 and a POW and sold as a slave by the Nazi army.

[@toddr.4630]

Bless y'all

[@kirbyjohnson5487]

God bless you sir.

[@oldreliable40]

nco's the backbone of the army! god bless the 1st cav!!! ft.hood tx 80's!!!!

[@johnglover5071]

Welcome home.

[@jonathanmorton9856]

Believe my neighbors son was in your company KIA Albany name was J.A. Shaw.

[@noahdunaway]

He was in A Co. 2nd. Bn. 7th. Cavalry 1st. Cavalry Div. KIA 11-17-1965 25 yrs old. Sgt. Dunaway 69-70

[@ktd9]

Airborne Ranger...🧨🔫🥰

[@daryllebeau4333]

God bless this warrior and his family.

[@thomastexwilson7323]

I have had the honor of meeting a great deal of heroes from the Vietnam War. I honor all who served. We Americans owe them far more than they ever got. If you are in Spring, TX and you are eating with any Vietnam Veterans gear... if you get your meal paid for that just a small thank you from and others I know that cherish you all.

[@frankirwin2377]

Amen!

[@jyee2217]

Disgraceful...hope many who insulted and spit on or at returning vets regret their behavior to their dying days. One bro volunteered for nam while serving in a cush job in germany. He may have not agreed with the war afterwards but he did what he thought was right at the time.

[@TheAnalyticalFailure]

Most of the boys in the U.S. never had a choice anyway. My father barely avoided being drafted. The war ended shortly before his 18th birthday. War is a crime, and the victims are everybody involved other than those who actually start and control them.

[@Schizniit]

This man ran down a 500 meter line of death to rejoin his men and hold out until they had enough reinforcements to clear a perimeter. I may not agree with the politics of the war, but he saved people that day.

[@RStevenPage]

Wasn't that Captain George Forrest who made that mad dash back to his company?

[@psychopigeon8973]

Didn't know he was in Xray too, imagine having to go through that battle then be part of Albany right after..

[@leolyon2373]

I salute all those who endured the unendurable, in Vietnam. So many lies, chicanery, corruption, self-sevring poagenda, and most of all the treachery of " those who knew the truth, yet betrayed all of you." My heart weeps when I think of Vietnam and all the ghosts.

[@Tonio6904]

I am attempting to find information about this Unit and a person named SS John Eade

[@phillamoore157]

This is the 2nd Yale student that either left school, or went to Yale...the other is Bill Beck (incredible story from the the 1st part of this battle at Xray). Now...think about Yale today. For that matter think of ANY elite, or Ivy-league university today, and what kind of students they're pumping out. Just goes to show that if you haven't learned patriotism, or right vs wrong by the time you get to "higher education"....you're never going to learn it.

[@axelwittersheim7787]

All brave men

[@YiSunShin426]

99.99% of the world's population always chant "thank you for your service" That's not the correct terminology. It should be "thank you for your sacrifice". U.S., we're not required or mandatory that all men need to serve in the military like Korea, China, some parts of middle East... it's a choice we make, who we choose to be, what we choose to do, where we choose to sleep. Say it correctly people.. it's "thank you for your sacrifice"

[@matthewjacobs141]

Know the area well...Recon 3/21 196LIB 68-69

[@patriotleague6876]

The "Wall" is least this country can do to pay tribute to our Patriots those that gave the last full measure! They were called and they went! For their Country & God to help and protect a country from Communism they gave their lives! We will never forget all of those who went when called, and those that gave their lives to help free and protect the people of a country most never knew existed! We honor you Mr. Gwin and all those who served and sacrificed because their "Country" called.... WWG1WGA!! #NeverForget

[@angloaust1575]

Into the valley of death Went the aircav Nva to the right and left Behind and in front Gallant and noble Also maybe foolish But as one American wrote In a book It's the only war we have

[@HomeDefender30]

The end of this is hard to listen too.

[@JohnHakansson-vi6bu]

Check this out

[@michaelredd4881]

The French got their butts kicked in there in the '50s. My 17th Cav unit fought the same NVA units in the early 70's. They were still there when we left the country.😢

[@world-uk2vj]

I hope I helped beat down 'the Vietnam syndrome', in 1994.

[@Bat21bravo]

SEMPER FIDELIS

[@sgtcrab2569]

Odd battle. Without overwhelming artillery and air support the US was doomed. The Battle was more or less a draw, though the US claimed a phyric victory, but Albany was a clear Vietnamese win. As were several battles. US Army 65-68.

[@snowman374th]

So powerful. So true. I can't stand the MOOD MUSIC though.. True Lovers of America, and lovers of our military who fought there or anywhere, do not need it. WE LOVE THEM ALL. And WE thank them all EVERY SINGLE ONE for their service to this country whether they should've been there or not. Thank you Gentlemen. ~S~ Salute to you all. Thank you for your service. And our freedom. RIP. to all that fell.

[@jeffreymcdonald8267]

The corny music is an insult to this man's narrative. Lose it please. Thank you.

[@bunnykiller821]

Thank you for keeping N. Viet Nam from invading the United States. Sorry about losing the war. We'll get 'em next time, eh? --- weethepeeple

[@topgeardel]

I'm a proud Vietnam/Draft resistor. La Drang was NOT a victory in any real sense of the word. The US had many advantages over the enemy as far as control of the air and mobility. Anyone who says the US didn't get a really big "black eye" from that battle is an a-hole. I read that Ho Chi Minh realized that he could win a war for independence BECAUSE of la Drang. He was right. The US should have gotten a major "clue" from that battle of what was in store for it if we got involved. Being involved in Vietnam did nothing but bring division and loss to America for at least 10 years. The real patriots were those who stood up to the dysfunctional US Government and hastened the end of an American tragedy. America doesn't owe these people anything but the right to return home and live their American Dream. They are not heroes nor victims. They are survivors.

[@laudace1764]

Nothing to be proud about, dude. If you were like 99% of your compatriots, you were either too soft or cowardly to stand against the Communists. Don't soil Gwin's recollections and service with your filth.

[@robertisham5279]

You say that no soldiers no war.

[@topgeardel]

@@robertisham5279 Yes, it's really that simple. The Government and politicians can make any decisions they want....but it's the individual American who decides on how they respond to it. Consequences or not consequences...we're talking about the sacrifice on one's one and only life. Punishment and consequences are a distant second in consideration. If they didn't put Americans on the ground in Vietnam...we wouldn't have this discussion the last 50 years. The simple reality....no soldiers...no war. That's why I have very little sympathy for veterans who bitch about politicians and the Government and present themselves as victims.. The veterans were always masters of their own destiny when it came to Vietnam.

[@GlobalDrifter1000]

The spitting never happened. It is an urban myth.

[@alexapperley9081]

Bullshit

[@noahdunaway]

Wrong !

[@GlobalDrifter1000]

@@noahdunaway never happened.

[@noahdunaway]

@@GlobalDrifter1000 I’m here to tell you first hand pal

[@johnbarrett51]

No it is not a legend it happened to me in San Francisco Airport