MEDAL OF HONOR: Huey Shot Down He Fights the NVA Uphill for 5 Days | Dennis Fujii

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Dennis Fujii first deployed to South Vietnam in 1968, he spent his first nine months assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division as an assistant machine gunner.
On his second tour, now an Sp4c., Fujii began serving as a crew chief on a UH-1H medevac helicopter. On February 18, 1971, Fujii and his crew flew across the border into Laos to evacuate wounded in support of Operation Lam Son 719. The helicopter took heavy ground fire and crash landed at LZ Ranger North.
Subsequent rescue attempts failed and Fujii spent the next two days on the hill calling in air support and artillery to hold back wave after wave of enemy trying to reach him. After two days of fighting, a helicopter finally reached Fujii, but as it departed the hill it too was also severely damaged and forced to crash land on another hill. He would spend another two full days fighting off enemy at this location before finally being rescued.
For his actions, Dennis Fujii would be awarded the Silver Star, which was later upgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross. In 2022, after a military review it was decided that Dennis Fujii's Distinguished Service Cross would be upgraded to the Medal of Honor.
Interview recorded on December 10, 2022
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Join our Patreon community to receive exclusive content and opportunities to meet these heroes in real life. This funding goes directly into helping us capture more incredible stories with our nation's veterans: patreon.com/americanveteranscenter

[@davidstaudohar6733]

David Staudohar USMC USN SS USCG ret , Deltas special Forces including Lancers air tactical command on Lam son as 2nd Lt , ( battlefield commission) Also, Egeal claw , and survived the helicopter crash, , and while in the Coast Guard earned the rank of lieutenant Commander, and commanded an 84 foot cutter withdrawing from Cape Hatteras to Jacksonville, I have so many were stories of horde death Madness murder and Mayhem, you could write 20 books , and they're not for sale at any price, ‼️ they've already been paid for with the blood of my fellow veterans that fought and served with honor ♦️♦️♦️‼️

[@antoniolimt4969]

P

[@Matchload]

@@davidstaudohar6733 Were you a Lancer?

[@milesbrown8016]

Respect to all those who took part in that war…..heroes big and small….

[@daveallan9684]

​@David Staudohar

[@benbrown8147]

I was a Chinook pilot during Lam Son 719. For a week I was assigned to Lang Vei on the Laotian border as liason to the 1st ARVN Division. I was in the radio bunker when word got out about Fuji and his trek towards Khe Sahn. We listened to him on the radio for several days as he evaded. Heck of a story. Glad he made it.

[@warrenharrison9490]

His experience would be an excellent screen play.

[@6412mars]

Each and every crew during Lam Son 719 deserves a decoration..so many were shot down and killed..my brother passed last July 31..he was decorated for actions at Dak To 1967..He was a hero..my hero..you are also a hero.. Thank you Ben..God bless you sir!

[@denniskrieg2100]

Tough crew chief!! We were lucky to have so many....VOLUNTEERS. !!!! GOD BLESS THEM .

[@phillamoore157]

WOW…that puts a whole new perspective on this interview. There was a rawness, and brutality to this war that is astonishing to listen to, even after 20yrs of studying this war. And, the revolting irony is that, we never actually “declared” war on North Vietnam. And like every war fought after WWII, it was extraordinarily costly, and we gained absolutely nothing from fighting it. Our priceless soldiers deserved so much better.

[@markadams2907]

Awesome!!!

[@BlueWaterSTAX]

Dang, three years in Nam. He's a legend. God Bless him and our Veterans.

[@MidnightSlayz]

He’s truly incredible

[@daviswall3319]

Da nang indeed. Very interesting

[@philgiglio7922]

I know a man who spent 42 months in country flying Hueys

[@robertdratwa1869]

Steel stones has he. 😮😮

[@marcrud1250]

Pretty much, a National Treasure.

[@chipsekulich1603]

Specialist Five Dennis M. Fujii distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity beyond the call of duty while serving as crew chief aboard a helicopter ambulance during rescue operations in Laos, Republic of Vietnam, during the period of 18 to 22 February 1971. Specialist Five Fujii was serving with the 237th Medical Detachment, 61st Medical Battalion, 67th Medical Group. The team's mission was to evacuate seriously wounded Vietnamese military personnel from the midst of a raging battlefield. The aircraft's primary approach to the bullet-infested landing zone was thwarted by heavy volumes of enemy fire directed at the specialist's helicopter. As the pilot made a second landing attempt, the enemy concentrated a barrage of flak at the air ambulance which damaged the craft and caused it to crash in the conflict area, injuring Specialist Five Fujii. Moments later, another American helicopter successfully landed near the wreckage of the specialist's airship and extracted all the downed crewmen except for Specialist Five Fujii, who was unable to board due to the intense enemy fire directed at him. Rather than further endanger the lives of his comrades aboard the second helicopter, Specialist Five Fujii waved the craft out of the combat area and remained behind as the only American on the battlefield. Subsequent attempts to rescue the specialist were aborted due to the violent anti­aircraft fire. Specialist Five Fujii finally secured a radio and informed the aviators in the area that the landing zone was too hot for further evacuation attempts. During the night and all through the next day, Specialist Five Fujii disregarded his own wounds as he administered first aid to the allied casualties. On the night of 19 February, the allied perimeter came under ruthless assault by a reinforced enemy regiment supported by heavy artillery. Once again obtaining a radio transmitter, Specialist Five Fujii called in American helicopter gunships to assist the small unit in repelling the attack. For a period of over seventeen consecutive hours, Specialist Five Fujii repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire as he left the security of his entrenchment to better observe enemy troop positions and to direct air strikes against them. At times the fighting became so vicious that Specialist Five Fujii was forced to interrupt radio transmittal in order to place suppressive rifle fire on the enemy while at close quarters. Though wounded and severely fatigued by 20 February, the specialist bore the responsibility for the protection and defense of the friendly encampment until an American helicopter could land and attempt to airlift him from the area. As his air ambulance left the battlefield, it received numerous hits and was forced to crash land at another South Vietnamese Ranger base approximately four kilometers from the specialist's original location. The totally exhausted Specialist Five Fujii remained at the allied camp for two more days until yet another helicopter could return him to Phau Bai for medical assistance on 22 February. Specialist Five Fujii's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

[@Peter-od7op]

Ty for learning this events. Ty

[@kevdadd1976]

Thank you for those details, an amazing story from an amazing individual

[@davidortega357]

A Dennis glad you made back to the world welcome home Viet Nam Veterans hoowah

[@f430ferrari5]

Thank you for the details. Special Five Fujii is a bit too humble trying to describe what he did.

[@bobsmoot2392]

Thank you for posting this. This hunble, honorable man won't tout his bravery.

[@skimmer8774]

A lot of troops are grateful you were there Dennis. I'm proud of you. I bet lots of guys even today remember a man they will never know that saved him. That man is you.

[@carolecarr5210]

I saw the results of your phenominal brave duties. An AF Nurse in Japan I received men within 24 -. 48 hours after being hit in field in Nam. Because of your courage the wounded had a 90% chance of survival. You are one of my heroes. Thank you from the bottom of my heart I am now with tears in my eyes & cold chills. Love You.

[@Brickbossman]

We're you at Tachikawa?

[@BeADad2447]

Carole we don't hear enough stories about nurses and Dr's who cared for all these Momma's boys so any miles from home and in desperate situations. Many are alive today because of your heroic efforts tank you

[@johneynon7018]

I served as a Hospital Corpsman in a medical battalion (1st.Med.) in Da Nang in 1966. Working Triage and I.C.U. also served as field Corpsman in a Combined Action Platoon (Delta 3) until getting wounded and medevaced right back to the medical battalion I served earlier. John Eynon Hm3 Ret.

[@carolecarr5210]

Jeff, yes indeed, Tachikawa. U 2?

[@carolecarr5210]

@@BeADad2447 Thank you buy I wasn't heroic, I had the honor of taking care of those that were

[@reddiver7293]

One brave Kauai boy! Thank you for your service, Dennis.

[@byronharano2391]

Imua Ohana

[@johnknorr1140]

That’s one hell of a man I was there in 1969-1970 101st airborne division, thank God for those guys they saved a lot of our guys lives you really did earn that metal thank God we had guys like you 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🎖🎖

[@vinnybag-o-donuts4362]

Hearing him say he had to lie to these young men he had never met, you felt the pain in his voice. Thank you sir, you are a legend. My father served 3 tours from 67-71 and always said the sweetest sound ever was the thump of a Huey buzzing tree tops coming in to help. Great episode, try and get more Vietnam vets to speak if possible, lots of legends we've never heard of.

[@janetstotler399]

I realize so many of you men had horrible experiences and will never forget them, but, you came home. My husband didn’t get to come home. He died in BonSong 1967. Capt. Larry Stotler……we’ll never forget him……. One of the hardest things was the way we were treated after the war. Thank you for all you did. Sue Stotler

[@ScumfuckMcDoucheface]

Am I understanding you correctly, that even families of veterans were disrespected and mistreated?? If so, then I'm so sorry that that was your reality. Ive always been utterly disgusted and appalled by the stories I've heard, about how returning Vietnam Vets were treated. Thank *you* for *your* sacrifice, both yours and his. Respect and appreciation from Canada. =)

[@gaylehiner9511]

Thats how the government wanted it, they wanted the vets not to speak the truth about the war, by means of persecution from the public.

[@bracoop2]

I’m sorry that the people treated you badly. Shame on them.

[@ty-kk9vq]

@@bracoop2 maybe dont participate in a war where your slaughtering millions of innocent people who are fighting for freedom and independence.

[@afreightdogslife]

These guys are all heroes, and my heart aches thinking of their sacrifices and yours as well as Cpt. Stotler. What a shameful bunch of ungrateful "Americans," only pure evil scum would treat any of these veterans or their families like these people did. I am angered and very sorry to read your comment. I have served in the US Army in a different conflict. I salute you and all these valiant veterans who have served their country with honor.

[@mwhitelaw8569]

I wanna thank you folks for doing these interviews y'all. This guy here is pretty awesome for sure.

[@3nheaven]

Brave man. 3 years and lived to tell us about it . Amazing

[@ImreDemech]

Guys like him saved many vets wounded. They had guts,bravery & love for brother vets.

[@damonbarnes5004]

I was 16th SOS out of Hurlburt Field, with the MH53 Pavelow squadron. Guys like Fujii and the countless others that never came home were our inspiration. My brother was an Army 58D Kiowa pilot with 1-10th mountain."That others may live" was and is still the motto to this day. There wasn't anything that would stand in our way to get our boys back. GOD bless Sir.

[@fuyu5979]

Remember when news of Dennis Fujii's honorable actions during that particular mission n subquent military recognition. Back home we were proud of Hawaii son distinguished himself. When he came back home a parade was given in his honor in his home town. Was there to see the parade etc. So many many years ago but the memories are still there. Thank you for your service Dennis. Kudos for upload. New subscriber because of this vid. Looking forward to ur next one. Peace n Aloha from Hawaii.

[@richardthornhill4630]

Thanks to all our Veterans who served. Semper Fi.

[@DEVILDOG1964]

SEMPER FI M 3/5, H&S 3/1 66-67

[@fuzznakano]

I’m an Australian living in Tokyo. Fujii is quite a common Japanese family name. I guess this gentleman is Japanese Hawaiian. The Fuji means wisteria and the i is a well. A hole in the ground that hopefully has water at the bottom. Just sharing a bit of cultural knowledge. Again sir, Mr. Fujii, thank you for your incredibly brave service.

[@DRFelGood]

❤Thank you for your courage,sacrifice and service to answer the call to serve 🇺🇸

[@ajbaumgart4774]

Thank you for your service sir my dad is a Vietnam veteran himself well he says Vietnam error veteran but i call him a veteran cause he was in the service when the war was going on my uncle gary was one of many Vietnam veterans who died he was in the marine special forces he died when his helicopter got shot down he is on the Vietnam wall with all his fellow brothers who lost there lives my dad wrote a book on the men who died in Vietnam took him 31 year's to complete to all our veterans out there i thank u so much for your service and to those who died i thank as well i try to thank as many veterans as i can they deserve so much respect from people

[@FewGuysFromFloida]

What’s the book called?

[@ajbaumgart4774]

@@FewGuysFromFloida its on the Vietnam war casualties who served from flint Michigan or genesee county area the book is done and complete just can't find a publisher who will publish it but it took him 30 long hard work and research to complete my uncle gary thomas is also in his book who was a marine in the special forces who never made it home alive from Vietnam if your interested in seeing it or wanting to read through it I'm sure we can work something out

[@mikejrSAA]

​@ajbaumgart4774 please check with the Library of Congress, as well as Federal, State, and Local Veterans Organizations to make sure this book is preserved.

[@ajbaumgart4774]

@@mikejrSAA will do I'll look into that thank you

[@nonyabiz2777]

I was a kid in the 60s and my mom was a pos hippie drugged up stripper I left home at14 years old. . I remember her and her friends treated our warriors with so much disrespect I was ashamed. After a generation I can say our 5 kids give the utmost respect to all our warriors. Sorry it took so long to get the respect you Vietnam vet deserve. We will never forget. Most importantly the M.I.A K..I.A fellow Americans.

[@BeefCake1012]

I’m sorry to hear you had that rough kind of upbringing man. No child deserves that. But you seem to have to have never let it affect you, have moved ahead and made a great life for yourself. Sure it must not have been easy. Glad to see you found a way out of it and made something of yourself! 🫡

[@nonyabiz2777]

@@BeefCake1012 Thank you I was lucky my wife is amazing. We got married at 18 and after 46 years we still have a great life. Nothing better in life than having grandchildren. We are truly blessed. Thank you for your kind words.

[@victorwadsworth821]

I was born at Beach Army Hospital, Fort Wolters, Mineral Wells, Texas where helicopter pilots were trained for Vietnam. We have a great Vietnam Memorial Museum with a Huey on display. Dad was stationed there at the end of his tour during the Korean War. Mom's boyfriend was Captain Gary Lenord a helicopter flight instructor near the end of the Vietnam War. Audie Murphy was trained at Camp Wolters and a few Medal of Honor Recipients came through this Base.

[@smokeykitty6023]

I'm from Farmersville, Texas, the home of Audie Murphy. What a brave man he was. Someone said it earlier but I'll say it too... they don't make 'em like that anymore.

[@victorwadsworth821]

I can remember hearing about his death on the radio as a boy.@@smokeykitty6023

[@msmeltzer1]

There’s a DJ in Rochester, Alan Levine, did THREE tours in Vietnam as a door gunner. He once remarked, “Just when I finally got it right they sent me home.”. Good Guy

[@elizabethcobb3316]

What state is that Rochester in?

[@elizabethcobb3316]

If you don't mind saying...

[@joeritchie4554]

Thank you for your service. You and all Viet Nam Vets are my heroes. I am so glad that you made it out and that you shared your story. Love you.

[@rustybaldwin4851]

What a man with one hell of a story to tell. God bless you and Thank you for your service. " Tail rotor is clear "

[@davidknight1612]

Damn this guy is true to what he says!!

[@bswihart1]

People talk about binge watching shows? I love binge watching the stories of all our soldiers in all conflicts. Absolutely amazing men and women fighting for freedom so we can sit comfortable binge watching shows. Thank you for your service.

[@ogearbox6132]

Splst Fuji much honor is still due you for your bravery. There were many like Dennis during that awful war. While I joined the Corps four years after Dennis, I had a friend in our church who was a Marine chopper pilot, Marine Lt Tom Tuno. A big 200 lb Marine. Fifteen years after the war we were talking and he told me he had a chopper shot out from under him 3 separate times and while wounded he carried his crew to safety each time. Mr Fuji and Mr Tuno, extraordinary men in extraordinary times doing extraordinary things. Fast forward 50 years later, I am working as a real estate agent. I had the honor of assisting a Marine family buy a house. She told me her husband’s story. A Marine in Iraq, his Humvee was hit by an IED. He was the only survivor, he had severe wounds in both arms and legs. He applied tourniquets to each and stumbled back 3 clicks to base barely surviving, but survive he did. Extraordinary men still doing extraordinary things. My thanks and sincere appreciation to all my vet brothers and sisters.

[@georgemcadoo8546]

It is inspiring, how many incredibly true heroes serve in our military. And so many unsung, but by those who witnessed their valor. To those to whom I was the last man on Earth to talk with, Honor and Respect Warrior Heroes. You are not forgotten. Slow hand salute. Semper fi...

[@vinrico6704]

What a beautiful human being. It was my privelage to listen to this man's story. They sure dont build them like that anymore. God Bless all of you.

[@georgemcadoo8546]

Heroes aren't built. They are born.

[@vinrico6704]

@@georgemcadoo8546 I disagree, however you opinion is just as valid. I believe a person is both a product of his or hers DNA but also the environment that child is put in.... Who knows maybe were all born Heros but were never given the chance to prove it....its all opinions anyways. Only the Creator God the Father knows and I dont exactly have a phone number to call and ask him. Go in peace brother and may the Holy Spirit fill your body and reside in your soul and grant you joy and happiness. Blessings🙏

[@iamrrspike7132]

Amazing man! Soft spoken and humble.

[@ChrisMartens-d6y]

What a real man. Gives faith in humanity.

[@DB-sg8ic]

He was so humble and spoke about his actions as if they were nothing.

[@c.n.9074]

What an inspiration these men are. When I think I'm having the worst day, I think about these men and my day isn't bad at all... because of these men. Dust Off crews, who really knows how many veterans returned home because of these crews. Thank You.

[@rikijett310]

Thank you endlessly for your service Sir and may God bless you always!!!! ✝️🇺🇲✝️

[@banzaibill4290]

Thank you for your service and sharing your amazing story sir.. What a brave and honorable man you are, truly a treasure for our nation. God Bless you..

[@skitownstreetcred]

Thank you Specialist Fuji. You give me strength. Thank you for your service. God Bless you sir!

[@NicCageForPresident2024]

My father was in the 25th Infantry 1968 to 1969. And my grandfather was a marine and Guadalcanal World War II they are the motivation for me to join the Army I ended up enlisting in the cavalry 2005 and deployed one month after I graduated

[@robertdeen8741]

The guts it must of took for those young pilots to go into a hot LZ. Those birds had very thin skin and a lot of glass. They must of felt like there was nothing protecting them. Amazing heroes, risking their lives to save someone else's life. I don't know how a person can do that and remain sane after the fact. All vets should get more respect and more help from the country they fought for. I thank you all for your service. The Nam vets deserve extra respect. The stress of being in danger from the minute you arrive till the last wakeup and the freedom bird home. They never knew for sure who was friend or foe. 17 or 18 year old boys in a country with totally different culture. We can't do enough to pay them for their service and sacrifice.

[@zefdin101]

The balls on this guy.. all of them. Wow.. “The chopper blades were whistling, because they had bullet holes in them”. I mean what the F?

[@markjolyn94]

Thank you for you service Brother. I missed going to VN and have great respect for you all. I truly appreciate all everyone gave.

[@gregeastman8609]

"basically, we were shot down" That's an understatement. Respect from a two tour helo pilot!!

[@N2Mtns2]

We’re glad you all made it home and we are sorry for what you came home to. Badasses. All of those who served in that barbaric war of containment. RIP KIA’s POW’s MIA’s and *All. Much Respect 🫡

[@rustybaldwin4851]

I was at the V.A. getting my chemo and radiation treatments when I met an old guy . He was wearing a baseball cap with a Huey on it. Having been a crew chief myself during part of my time in service I struck up a conversation with him, I seems he was a retired CW-4 and he had a couple tours very early in Vietnam with lots of hrs. After we had talked a few times I asked him if he missed flying? He kinda looked at me funny and said no the day of his last flight he closed out the log book got out of the Huey walked around it for the last time walked into the flight opps turned in the log book and never looked back.

[@headers12]

Amazing story! I love his ability to really describe what he and his crew went through.

[@tommyjenkins7453]

You can hear the sorrow in his voice for the ones that never made it out of the jungle. His mention of audy Murphy reminded me of my WW2 dad passing down stories about Audy Murphy and what a good shot he was ECT .

[@tundranomad]

Thank you for your service brother!

[@larrysmiths1]

You are such a quiet soul. I would think you always were, which helped you stay focused . Thank you for your service! Thank you as well for this interview. My Dad was there in '69 but a much different story; he was 40 with 15 years military experience in the Army, unlike you, a young man out of boot camp! He never wanted to talk about Viet Nam much........... only the positives, how beautiful it was and that most people were kind, and generous to offer what little they had. He was in Army intelligence in a compound in a village in the rear. but involved with the Laos /Cambodia shit shows. They got along well enough that the villagers promised not to eat the companies mascot "mutt" dog. Considering the suffering the people were going through, I call that a win.

[@chillis28]

Much respect sir!

[@shirleyle3931]

Any man that wears the M.O.H. deserves so much respect, because its a sign this man has seen the worst of Battle and rose to the occasion beyond Duty, with actions that can only be explained by love of his brothers, Thank you Mr.Fuji!

[@andrewrees6618]

Thank you Vietnam vets. I was a child during this war but knew older guys that went. You served your country and your sacrifices will not be forgotten at least by my family. Again thank you.

[@parttysetzer6247]

Thank 7 for your service you are a hero

[@ronalddecesaris6115]

story is amazing! To think u were unable to get on that first chopper…. Just cannot know what that was like being alone Thank you for your service sir!🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@exjug]

Thank you for what you did. You Vietnam guys inspired me to become a Huey crew chief/door gunner in the early ‘90s.

[@ecleveland1]

Dennis, thank you for your service and sacrifice to our country. Thank you also for sharing your story with us.

[@bigmac2752]

To all U.S. Veterans. I as a natural born U.S. Citizen. I am ashamed for what our U.S. Government put you in. I AM NOT ashamed of you HONORABLE men and women who have served and serve today. I was just a little boy when they finally brought you home from Vietnam. And i remember how you were treated when got back. NONE of you deserved what i saw with my own eyes. That sacred me. And as i have gotten older. I have come to a bad reality that some U.S. citizens do not deserve the protection that YOU vets have provided for the U.S.A.with your own lives. And a large amout of those lives lost, had no choice to go or not. Which to me is the most heart breaking part. Knowing so many had no choice. And then didn't come back or were spit on when they did. I am 55 yrs old now and can't do much. But know this. I'll give up my life to this day to protect you because i KNOW YOU WOULD STILL GIVE UP YOUR LIFE TO PROTECT ME! Thank you all of you for all you have done to make sure this U.S. citizen has always been safe.

[@trobson9952]

Kudos to you Sir. Thank you for your teachings.

[@gryper1690]

I'm glad he finally got the CMH.

[@BKLaz72]

It's really wild when I remind myself that these guys were 18 to 20 years old on average.

[@AdamosDad]

I'm sorry to say I am not very brave, I went to Vietnam, 2 tours, but turned down an offer to become a helicopter pilot and warrant officer, because the average life expectancy of a helicopter pilot was just a few weeks. These men are an inspiration to us all.

[@brennanleadbetter9708]

My grandpa was in the M.A.S.H. unit, served one tour, saw the horrors of the aftermath of battle. He passed away several years ago.

[@spapi3880]

Thank you for the things you’ve done for our great country. We need men like you now more than ever.

[@johnjohnson8812]

Amen to that! I used to eat lunch with guys (about 7 other guys in their mid-30's) from the Info Systems part of the company (a huge software services company). This was about 10 years ago. Out of all of us eating our lunch on an almost daily basis, I was the only person who had spent even 5 mins. in the military service of our country. Truly a sad awakening! I was indeed a stand out - U.S. Marine. Semper Fi!

[@kennethsloboda4958]

I have much praise for each and everyone who served in the nam, I’ve heard many stories that touched my heart

[@tonybarnes3858]

Mr Fujii: You are a cut above the rest, sir.

[@PaulS-yl6hk]

thanks Mr. Fujii for your military service and sharing your story. Brings back memories of my fathers generation that took part in WW2.

[@Mike-hn4uu]

As a young man he was fighting off entire armies by himself - and he lacks such an ego he can barely even tell his story without boring himself. Todays sissy boys get PTSD from their tik tok accounts lagging.

[@justlucky8254]

That guy was on 2 choppers basically shot down, both times in horrendous situations, and still says "I was trying to think positive." My man...

[@christaylor9484]

You are doing the public a GREAT SERVICE by allowing these fine men to tell their stories. The people need to know how far other people are willing to go to save their brothers and to protect the freedom in which we enjoy. But more importantly, it tells the stories of the men who are not here to tell theirs.

[@DSWL_]

the things this man has seen...

[@Joelontugs]

Thank you for your service

[@cosmichef75]

So proud of all the Japanese American Samurai that loved America even after how they were treated in WWII.

[@TheLoxxxton]

Wasn't he from Fiji?

[@mkd7961]

@@TheLoxxxton think his last name was fuji

[@turokmakto9033]

Should hear the stories of what the Japanese did to civilians in P.I, my friends grandmother lost 5 brother as kids drowned in a puddle of water in front of their family.

[@badcornflakes6374]

​@@mkd7961He's from the an Island that's part of the Hawaiian chain.. he's Hawaiian...

[@clazy8]

Great guy

[@kylekrumrie4612]

Unfortunately I just buried my father a couple weeks back. He fought in Laos as as Sargent. He will be missed dearly. Amen to all that sacrificed.

[@jondoh3471]

I thought there were no American boots in Laos?

[@burtthebeast4239]

WELCOME HOME, THANK YOU SIR, GOD BLESS YOU ALL 🙏

[@joshuaforbus5853]

I volunteered because of stories like this. These are my Hero's. I'd rather take a insurgent filled house than be hunted by them. My goodness Sir,terrifying and thank you American Warfighter.Thank you 1997-2006 US Marine infantryman Sgt.100P.T. Josh

[@georgeloquvam2550]

You are a hero sir

[@brenturquhart7090]

As heroes go, Audie Murphy is a good one to idolize. He’s my hero too and I’m Canadian for Christ sake. Lol While Audie will forever be on my list, Denis Fuji has now been added. You could see in his eyes that the war is not over. I recognized that look in my Great Uncle. He too saw more than anyone should. He will be up there with gentlemen such as Sargent Peter Charles Lemon, he too won the medal of honour in Vietnam. He’s Canadian, but volunteered because he wanted to fight communism. 30,000 Canadians volunteered to fight with our brothers to the south. While I personally think that many died in a war that was started and waged by dishonourable people. I will always honour and respect those who did the actual fighting. The soldiers who volunteered to fight, chose to do so because they thought it was right and believed they fought for freedom, and hose who were drafted had no choice and did their best. Both should honoured by the rest of us, not reviled. It’s about time that those who fought in Vietnam got the credit that’s their due. I’ve always felt it wrong that they were demonized the way they were. Especially by those who did everything they could to avoid the draft and I will forever feel nothing contempt for the politicians and defence contractors who started the war for their own personal and political gain.

[@curiousentertainment3008]

This is the perfect comment to the idiots who spit at these men and their comrades.

[@John3.36]

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16 KJV

[@davidmc1489]

Oh how the mighty have fallen.

[@johnflano6973]

I am Almost positive that I flew with him around 2005. I am pretty sure he was my pilot around kauai.. I could be wrong but I would put a bet down that he was the guy. His Voice sounded the same and he flew in Vietnam.... PHENOMENAL story. I first landed in Ha noi from Bangkok in 2003. I returned every year to 2007 and I moved into Ha Noi full time. I would later live in Saigon, Nha Trang but finally Da Nang. In 2013 I moved full time to My home in Beautiful Gorgeous Bangkok Thailand 🇹🇭🙏🌴🌺 I first visited Thailand in 1990 when I was working in Tokyo. The reason I am rambling on here is to say that I have seen and heard sooo many crazy stories from the countless Vets that live there today. I am still close with one dude from Jersey and he is a very humble kind person. He works on clearing up all of the unexploded stuff and other US Vet programs. I have heard many stories throughout Thailand as well and anyone who has visited Thailand back in the day know exactly what I am talking about.... I am a San Francisco native who lived a big part of my life in Los Angeles before Leaving The USA for Ha Noi initially... I have only returned home twice briefly for work stuff from here. I think most people would be surprised to see not only how many Americans live in Vietnam but how many Vets live there. Many here too in Thailand 🇹🇭 🙏 🌺 I just have to thank Dennis for his service. Such an amazing man. oh btw I was born in '64 so by 70 I was still very little but I sure as hell remember all the White Ao Yai' s and long black hair ladies that were coming into San Francisco. I was a little boy and they left a life long impression on me to this day 😊 please excuse my caffeine fueled Ramble here. Bottom line is that I am 99.9% Positive That Dennis was my pilot around 2005 and he was an incredibly nice man and a very unique Pilot with a beautifully spoken narrative of our flight of a lifetime around his Island. Bless you Dennis for all of your life saving work. 🌴🙏🇻🇳 🇺🇸 🇹🇭 😊🌴🌺🏄

[@haroldmclean3755]

A very Interesting and Honest Account High Kudos 👍

[@Qunyc1985]

My father is 2/3 Echo. He fought in Quang Tri. He almost died because of an RPG, watching this lets me see some of the guys who got my Dad back home.

[@paulweaver6064]

Both of my brothers are Vietnam veterans one a US Marine the other Navy . My father a duel war veteran WWII and Korea. I always wanted to change the Mental status that the VA labels our veterans and then tries to hold them back with a Mental issues making them lose respect. So instead of a diagnosis of PTSD I simply wanted them to get real help physical help financial help any counseling and change the tern to CW or CS Combat Wounded Or Combat Stress. Within a Mental label or having to be given a label for benefits that should be provided any way without a dang label.

[@billmcdonough8616]

This is coming from a Navy vet. You never know when courage or cowardice is going to grab you. And it's not for every situation .

[@clazy8]

24:56 it was like I never left

[@ddoherty5956]

Will any of us have the strength of character to take on the new face of global communism, under similar circumstances?

[@beachlife4704]

There's no movie about this story?

[@codeman9145]

Not everyone is a navy seal and wants to write a book.

[@beachlife4704]

@@codeman9145 Not every story is written by the person involved.

[@thomascook393]

I know a guy that was in Japan in WW2. He is 90 years old and owns a small town store. If you would like to come to Michigan I'm sure he would share his story.

[@mr.berimbolo827]

The second he started talking I knew he was from Hawaii

[@churchofthefirstborn9413]

Japanese American warrior “Go for Broke” 442nd 100 would be proud.

[@blockmasterscott]

I was born in 1967. Having grown up in that period, I spent my childhood listening to Hell raising stories from vets of Nam, WW1 and WW2, and the Korean War. One story that sticks out on my mind was my grandfather telling me that he always slept with his finger on the trigger in North Africa, with that habit paying off when he woke up in the middle of the night with an Italian soldier standing over him. My grandfather told me all he had to do was pull the trigger and the guy was dead. To this day I can smell the canvas of his web gear that I played with as a little boy.

[@Peppersdady72]

burred the old man in the paunch bowl America today would break his heart

[@johnstaley6337]

I worked with a Hawaiian born vet in San Francisco: Sam Kagawa. As I understand, he did 3 tours in the army. I wonder if you knew each other.

[@danielcarmichael7911]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. My God Man.

[@whatdothlife4660]

One major part of this is he had one or two canteens of water and MAYBE had food in those five days?

[@azrekkoula3003]

War is hell. An these men braved something very few can even imagine. People romanticize an day dream of being heros. It doesn't matter who you are or how courageous you are in the moment you either will or won't. An most that will die. As the survivors usually say all the heros didnt make it back.

[@paulcombee2209]

The C-130 dropped tons of flares and the spooky 👻 gunship had the mini gun's also the jolly green giant .And in many air to ground operations the south Vietnamese pilot operates a dive bomber i believe the Tornado 🌪 or P-40 Warhawks ww war surplus aircraft ...They were awesome !!! 👌 👏 👍

[@Wild_Western]

The best thing happening? This statement confirms that it is the poor (regardless of race or ethnicity) without much opportunity in this country who do the major portion of the sacrificing, dying and service for this country. The rich by virtue of their wealth and familial connections never make similar statements as this war hero because of their limitless opportunities afforded to them by virtue of wealth...and more than not, this is supplanted by race and gender.

[@jamesb7651]

Incorrect generality...c'mon hero's come from all levels, and cowards too

[@mattkaustickomments]

This hero is so humble. He doesn’t even mention the things he did to earn the medal.

[@johnbode954]

A real hero🇦🇺

[@sheilalarkin1291]

Sir, you are a remarkable man. You deserve our nations love and respect. Welcome home!🇺🇸

[@johngaglione2236]

If I remember correctly the Dustoff choppers did not have door gunners. Only the Medevac choppers had door gunners on them. Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure there is a difference between Dustoff crews and Medevac crews

[@paulne1514]

Officially you may be right. But, a few years ago, I spoke with a guy who was put on a dust off chopper with a machine gun, where he served the rest of his tour.

[@kawikadavid8958]

i could tell he was from Hawaii.

[@krissteele2661]

Mad respect for you may your life journey BEFILLED with peace and love God bless🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@michaelmoore234]

People don't understand what these REAL heros went thru , to give them the easy -free life style they live now , we dont know what stress is compared to this . Thankyou Dennis Fuji.