Operation Market Time: the U.S. Coast Guard in Vietnam

The contributions of the U.S. Coast Guard seem often to be forgotten compared to the other services. One example is the service of the Coast Guard in the Vietnam war, including the largest surface naval engagement in that war. It is history that deserves to be remembered.
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
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Script by THG
#ushistory #thehistoryguy #vietnamwar

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Somehow in the introduction I say "October 4" when, of course, I meant to say August 4. I sincerely apologize for the error.

[@qazrat]

No need to apologize, with content this good we don’t care about a small error

[@wademyers6598]

Honorable, yet unecessary. You have a great channel and obviously work very hard on your content.

[@LorSTApunk07]

This Coast Guard veteran appreciates your efforts to tell Coast Guard history. Semper Paratus!

[@drockjr]

It's almost like you're human

[@vet-7174]

No worries!!

[@justintillman1929]

I'm a coastguardsman who served on a high endurance cutter. An old HEC 378 that constantly needed the rust around it's bullet hole patches painted. Everytime we painted over them we'd say, "Dang Vietcong!"

[@andyhastings5950]

I removed a lot of oily slops from the 378s at CG Island in Alameda. Even had a couple of lunches with the crews. In about 67 or 68 the Sea Scouts held their yearly Northern California Regatta at the base. It was still one of the CGs Boot Camps. We were there between classes. Great fun for a 16yr old.

[@jasonwcoleman250]

The best way to compare the USCG is to call it the "red-headed step child of the military". We got the Navy's old, worn out ships and we're expected to make use of them with 1/4 of the budget the other branches would get. And when we outperformed the Navy regardless of the CG's shortcomings, they would flip it and find a way to take credit for it. Semper Paratus brothers, we know what we did.

[@mikehenthorn1778]

the rules say you have to go out....

[@unclejohnbulleit2671]

@@mikehenthorn1778 but we dont have to come back....

[@jimcogger9816]

Simply Forgot Us

[@joegibson4946]

Very true. My first unit after bootcamp was on a Wind Class icebreaker which had been commissioned in the mid-1940s. It had been given to the Russians who abused it, got it stuck in the ice and gave it back to the U.S. Navy in the late 1950s. The U.S. Navy then gave all the icebreakers to the Coast Guard. As for Vietnam, when I arrived in Alameda on Jan. 7, 1972 our company commander told us that 50% of us would be going to Vietnam. By the time we were assigned our billets, the Coast Guard had started reducing personnel over there so none of us were sent.

[@jasonwcoleman250]

@@joegibson4946 Sounds about right, the Navy got a bunch of new toys that they misused and ruined after realizing that this new icebreaking job sucks, so they gave this new unwanted new job and it's tools to the CG.

[@greganderson8374]

This old Coastie that served during Operation Market Time (but not actually in Vietnam, but knew many that were) thanks you for your acknowledgement of our contribution. The Coast Guard is seldom mentioned when talking about any war or conflict the US has been in, but has been involved in every one of them, from landing Marines on the beaches of the Pacific Islands in WWII to patrolling the Persian Gulf during the Iraqi War. We have always been there, silently doing the job that needs to be done without all the fanfare. Thank You again for making this video.

[@whiterabbit-wo7hw]

Thank you for your service sir.

[@dougstitt1652]

that is sad the CG is a vital part of the USA . thank you for your time in service be safe Sir

[@morganosborne9258]

Thank you, Mr. Anderson, for your service and the role the Coasties played in Vietnam. In 2016, we lost my dad, Vietnam Army infantry veteran. He would have loved this episode.

[@andyhastings5950]

A good CG freind of mine spent quite on Iraq's crude loading dock during the first Iraqi War guarding it from sabotage. He Told me that there was slight damage from the Iraqi Iran war. He said he came back with a great tan.

[@graff324]

Respect and Honor Sir

[@DonaldWMeyers-dwm]

One year, I was attending the community band's 9/11 commemoration concert and they played the "Armed Forces Medley" inviting veterans to stand when their service's song was played, and people would applaud. When they played "Semper Paratus," I saw one man stand, but people didn't notice him. So I told my kids to start clapping like their lives depended on it, and before the song was over, the whole audience was applauding this man.

[@WarThunder-zt4xw]

Retired CG here; thank you so much for posting! Happy Coast Guard Day, Semper Paratus!

[@ElmoUnk1953]

Semper Fidelis ❤️🇺🇸❤️ Douglas Munro Guadalcanal

[@stevenstone2735]

Semper Paratus indeed. Thank you for this history short. Yes, we Coasties do often feel forgotton.

[@racketyjack7621]

You coasties saved my ass off Montero Point back in '91. Thank you, I'll never forget that. Bm2 USN 1977-'84.

[@cynthiabeckenbaugh5189]

Not when the seas run rough, or your in danger on the sea.

[@dougstitt1652]

hats off to you sir

[@retardationnation869]

Well ty for ur service

[@jimmytjomsland6132]

Having fished off the Columbia River Bar, the Coast Guard were always a welcome sight! Thanks to All of You!!

[@michaelhines4805]

The Quote about combat is true for everyone in combat. I was a Marine Rifleman in country from April 22nd, 1968 until I was MediVac'd in April 1969. I can attest to the trueness of that statement from many times.

[@michaelhopkins2965]

It accurately, if not briefly, describes every combat deployment I've been on.

[@Russia-bullies]

Every warrior knows that war is long periods of boredom interspersed with short periods of excitement & action.

[@billdennis2993]

Thx THG for this informative and entertaining video. FWIW I rode Patrol Gun boat 92 Tacoma' in '72 on Market Time patrols and can attest 1st hand to the accuracy of the quote. The Tacoma and a Coastie Patrol Craft were both given credit for sinking an 80' NVN trawler in '72 Market Time action. Days of bordome interupted with moments of shear terror indeed.

[@jliller]

A few years ago, I interviewed the widow of a Coast Guardsman who had served locally and learned her husband had died because of Operation Market Time, but not until several decades later. He had also served on USCGC Campbell in Vietnam which, to quote Wikipedia, "was assigned to combat duty in Vietnam from January to July 1968. During Operation Market Time, Campbell destroyed or damaged 105 Viet Cong structures and steamed over 32,000 miles (51,000 km) in the Vietnamese War Zone." Some of the cutter's crew from that deployment developed rare forms of cancer - too many to be coincidental and ultimately determined to have been caused by Agent Orange exposure. While patrolling off the coast of Vietnam, the affected Coast Guardsmen had been on deck watching American aircraft spray Agent Orange onshore. The wind had carried some of the chemical out to the cutter. RIP BMC Kit Carson Campbell

[@datasailor8132]

Very recently the VA extended compensation rights to Vietnam era vets who never actually went on land such as Navy or CG personnel. If this widow is still with us, she is eligible for survivors benefits. As a 100%, perm disabled vet myself I receive $3450/mo totally tax free. I don’t even get a 1099g that I have to explain away. I can also use the commissary and exchange with no sales tax, etc. i mentioned the exact numbers because they are public record.

[@dogstar7]

Semper Paratus! I served on the Hamilton Class USCG Cutter Midgett and the LORAN terrestrial navigation network (forerunner to orbital GPS) Happy Birthday US Coast Guard

[@n3glv]

Was there any whispers of when the CIA modded the LORAN to be "more accurate" (Only works on the bench) And the result was NAPALM on our troupes. Could you call that a friendly fire BBQ?? (booo) Rumor had it that some B-52 pilots refused to fly till the problem was fixed. I doubt any proof of this survives.

[@dogstar7]

@@n3glv Go start an argument somewhere else

[@birchellgoldston9977]

My brother served aboard the Midgett as well. He got a chance to do a circumnavigation aboard her, I think in 2007--he said she was near maxed out trying to keep up with the Naval group. Semper Paratus and thank you!

[@cwill9816]

@@dogstar7 he must have taken your advice. LOL

[@constitutionalUSA]

My oldest son, three years in the CG, enjoys his service and is proud to serve the people of the United States Of America. And we are very proud of all the men and women who serve

[@mjc11a]

@ConstitutionalUSA...Sounds like you raised a fine boy. Best of luck to you and your family. God Bless you 🙏

[@graff324]

Respect and Honor to your son

[@dlaw8091]

The 82s were good boats. Rough riders, I often said that they would roll 5 degrees at the pier if a duck swam by. However, the boats could really take a beating. I spent a little over 3 years on Point Martin WPB 82379. She was the last one built by the Coast Guard Yard. The hulls were steel, but the superstructures were aluminum. Rumor was that the wheelhouse off of the Point Martin was removed and sent to Viet Nam in order to replace the wheelhouse destroyed by the USAF on the Point Welcome. A new wheelhouse was constructed for Point Martin.

[@TheDecguy]

I always heard that they “rolled a little bit”. ‘

[@skychief399]

Thanks @DLaw for your service. Well done!!!

[@calito44]

You are glad to know that some of them are still operating in Panama, more specifically the Point Hannon, Point Francis, Point Huron and Point Winslow. and even though we have alittle bit more modern patrol ships Coast Guards Sailors for some odd reason love more to be with these guys.

[@dlaw8091]

@@calito44 Thank you for the update. Always nice to know that they are still serving :-)

[@noodleheimerswest8758]

@D Law: I remember POINT MARTIN at Wrightsville Beach, NC, in the late 70s. I was up the coast at Fort Macon, then assigned to CGC CONIFER.

[@SurfBigg]

Thanks for bringing light to the coast guard service in Vietnam! My uncle Bob was a deck gunner. He had about a dozen bullet wounds in his arms up to his shoulders. He manned the deck machine gun and only had a steel plate in front of him for protection. He was shot multiple times in the arms and continued to man his position and provide surpessive fire. His arms were hit as they stuck out wider then the steel plate on his gun. As a coast guard Veteran he was told on more then one occasion that he was not a Vietnam veteran.His battle scars begged to differ. My Uncle Bob was a class act and rarely spoke about his service. 8 of my uncles went to Vietnam and 7 came back.

[@brettleach9281]

So pleased to meet your new History Cat. Just remember that while dogs have owners, cats have staff. As an ex-merchant mariner, I have enormous respect for the men and women in the US Coast Guard.

[@whiterabbit-wo7hw]

Thank you for your service sir.

[@PaulfromChicago]

In WWII, whenever there was something hard to do, the USN got the Coast Guard to do it. Guess not much had changed by Vietnam.

[@andyhastings5950]

Another little known fact. In Vietnam the CG recieved the most Unit Citations and personnel medals on a percentage basis.

[@littlebear1520]

This episode was really excellent because not too many people realize how much of a role the coast guard played in the Vietnam conflict or war whichever one you want to call it and a lot of the veterans of the coast guard didn't get the recognition until just recently thank you

[@WhaleGold]

Last job I had before I retired the No. 2 manager, who knew I was a Navy Vietnam vet said he always recommended to young people thinking of joining the military to join the Coast Guard so they wouldn't have to leave the United States. I told him the USCG was in Vietnam. He said, "I don't believe you." I said, "I've seen them." I don't know if he believed me then or not.

[@littlebear1520]

@@WhaleGold it's just like the merchant marines that were over there they weren't there just bringing stuff I know a couple of them that were there and they said that they were fighting in the Tonkin Bay

[@chowmaine]

@@WhaleGold Having done two tours in Vietnam on the USCGCs Yakutat and Castle Rock, I can assure you we were there. Pick up a copy of The Coast Guard at War: Vietnam, 1965-1975 by Alex Larzelere for some interesting reading.

[@jb-vb8un]

AND CROWN THY GOOD WITH BROTHERHOOD , FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA

[@keithweiss7899]

It seems like the Coast Guard is usually overlooked. My uncle served in the Coast Guard in WWII. In the Pacific he transferred off of a ship only a month before it was lost with all hands to the Japanese. It was used as bait to lure the enemy out of a port. God bless the Coast Guard! Semper Paratus! Thanks History Guy!

[@buknekkit3084]

As an old Navy man, we used to rib our little brothers, the Coasties, by calling 'em "harbor ducks" and "puddle jumpers", but as someone with a broad historical background, I was well aware of their sacrifices during all of our wars but especially WW2 convoy escorts and invasion landings. It is to my chagrin that I wasn't aware of their contributions during 'Nam, especially in light of my Brown Water Navy knowledge. So, KUDOS once again for making my day with this little gem of a Story. Always enjoy your content. 👍👍

[@benjaminstevens4468]

Since the Coast Guard predates the Navy, you guys are the little brothers.

[@buknekkit3084]

@@benjaminstevens4468 tell that to the big boys i.e. - aircraft carriers...y'all are still the bathtub Navy 🤣

[@ddawsond]

@@buknekkit3084 Remember their unofficial motto? " They Have To Go OUT - They Don't Have To Come Back."

[@ronbaker8007]

We know the Navy needs Hero's@@buknekkit3084

[@Badger13x]

You could say that smuggling arms into the country was quite piratical, which makes the story even more amazing. USCG are one of the quite and sometimes forgotten service and are the unsung hero's of many an operation.

[@DTavona]

Semper Paratus indeed. Coasties are often wrong derided by the other services, but whether in wartime or in stormy seas, year after year they continue to show the mettle of their character and the measure of their bravery. Thank you again for illuminating another dusty corner of the oft-neglected historical record.

[@lisavanetten7396]

As a former Coastie wife I so appreciate you sharing this. And Most of all Thank you for Sharing that the USCG IS The Oldest Afloat Service in the US... I once knew a Coastie who was on the rivers in Vietnam. It was still with him all those years later. God bless all who wear the US Coast Guard uniform.

[@cleancarnivore]

Thank you for this report. I found it to be most accurate. I served aboard the USCGC WHEC-65 Winona during her Viet Nam deployment. I was the trainer inside the 5-inch mount in the early morning hours of March 1, 1968. The trainer shifts the mount by handwheels port to starboard while the pointer elevates and depresses the barrel, each with their own sights thus aiming the weapon at the intended target. Our Executive Officer had the bridge control or "con". LCDR J.A. Atkinson was a seasoned officer and WWII veteran having had two vessels blown out from under him while a junior officer. He was responsible for keeping Winona out of harm's way by staying just out of range of incoming fire. On this particular night, the command commenced fire by a radar director which proved to be out of calibration and missed the target 26 consecutive rounds. The bridge con then switched to manual control, giving the trained crew opportunity to demonstrate their teamwork. We bracketed our target with three rounds...one long, one short, and the last on target sinking the vessel and ending the threat. We were credited with the first naval sinking since the Second World War. It is important to note that we had just completed refresher training in San Diego prior to deployment and had only been in-country and on patrol for three weeks when this incident occurred. NFGS or Naval Gunfire Support was also a primary duty of the Coast Guard during Operation Market Time. The high endurance cutters were tasked with resupplying the swifts and 82's going up the rivers. On patrol, we inspected junks as well. The village of Song Ong Doc was our adopted charge.

[@kristoffermangila]

That would have been maddening for the radar director guys... and then your crew just had to upstage them...

[@eliscanfield3913]

The Coasties are my favorite branch; seriously considered joining until I realized they won't take someone with my level of hearing impairment, flat feet, and a physically wandering eye. (the emotional one is definitely focused, lol)

[@vincentkudelycz258]

Join the Coast Guard Aux.

[@oceanblue3050]

You sound like the prime candidate for Coast Guard.

[@eliscanfield3913]

@@oceanblue3050 Obviously not, and don't be snobby.

[@Harleyever]

Thanks to " THG" for recognizing the Coast Guards involvement in Vietnam EM-2 " 70 to 74 "

[@clausenfamily2599]

Thank you. My father was on the USS Winona during this battle.

[@troychristianson5377]

My Dad was also on the Winona. LT. Christianson. Communications officer.

[@timfarrell6968]

Thank you to all the Coasties for your Service. Happy Birthday, USCG.

[@randmayfield5695]

The Coast Guard also ran the Southeast Asian LORAN net which had one station in Vietnam on the island of Con Son. I spent a year in central Thailand on an airforce base and saw a few strange thi ge like the Air America riots and April 30th, 1975. I stood two radio watches the day because the traffic was fascinating to listen to. We had a state-of-the-art scanner receiver that just rolled through the active frequencies. Most of the chatter was chaotic and in Vietnamese but there was enough English spoken here and there to make it worth listening to. I was nineteen years old and in Thailand right out of basic training....you have no idea what that means unless you were there. Crazy times for sure.

[@WaitWhat-jy9ck]

As a former Coast Guardsman, thanks to THG for recognizing the contribution the USCG made to the war effort. I was a search and rescue air crewman on the HH-52A helicopter. And long before private helicopter services were used to transport the injured from vehicle crashes the Coast Guard was doing it.

[@dcpack]

I was fortunate enough to get qualified on 52's before they were replaced. Loved them but on a flight where we were to meet with a sub off the coast of Washington I realized that cars on a highway below were passing us in a headwind. Good times.

[@michaeldougfir9807]

As small ship sailor I have long felt a kinship to the Coast Guard. In fact, in one scene you briefly show a sister ship of mine, USS Tekesta (ATF-93) . Through the years the Coast Guard has had at least three of these fleet ocean tugs. Hence even more similarity! A very tough and hard working ship. So I am always glad to see presentations on the US Coast Guard. They have earned every recognition!

[@TheHylianBatman]

Nobody ever thinks about the Coast Guard, and that makes me sad. I really like the Coast Guard.

[@johnbagley5341]

Truly appreciate you giving the CG some love! BMC, USCG (Ret)

[@Tom_Cruise_Missile]

As time's gone on I'm glad to see the coast guard has been getting the credit that's shamefully been withheld from them.

[@Tom_Cruise_Missile]

@@somercet1 Withheld, as in not given.

[@oceanblue3050]

Lol @ coastguard

[@worddunlap]

My father retired From USCG in the 1970s. It was small considering their job, NYPD was larger. Anyone that had been in a while knew each other. During my father's time it was under the Treasury Dept, Navy Dept, Dept of Transportation and at least part time State Dept....They deserve a dept of their own....

[@kristoffermangila]

Well, they're with Homeland Security now.

[@SeabreezeRJ]

Thanks for sharing! Still in operation today, Lady B nee Point Baker, an 82' Cutter of the Point Class, represents the Coast Guard family still in her role as a USCGAux patrol facility. BZ to all who serve! Semper Paratus mates!

[@bostonrailfan2427]

US Coast Guard: the only agency with THREE separate yet important birthdays! August 4th, 1790 is their most important but they have roots earlier thanks to the US Lighthouse Establishment which was created the year before and is still one of the USCG’s primary responsibilities. it just so happens to be in three days on August 7th

[@bostonrailfan2427]

US Coast Guard actually invaded an island and took it over during World War 2, and escorted ships along the US Coast in both wars: a job that they were vastly experienced with thanks to their ant-smuggling duties their roles as coxswain driving landing boats during invasions are seen as being done by the US Navy yet they were there and both saved lives through handling their boats

[@oogdiver]

Douglas Munro was a USCG Higgins' boat cox'n who received a posthumous Medal of Honor. The only coastguardsman to receive the award in WW2.

[@Loki1701e]

Which island was it id i may ask?

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

@@Loki1701e Guadalcanal 1942, Soloman Islands, Pacific. He was nominated for the CMH, posthumously, by Marine Corps General Chesty Puller for saving the lives of 500+ Marines. Died 27 SEP 1942 of gunshot wounds while piloting a Higgens boat (landing craft) . He positioned his boat between the shore and other incoming landing craft carrying hundreds of Marines, protecting them from heavy Japanese fire, while at the same time providing cover fire for them. There's a very good painting of him in the above action. Petty Officer / Signalman 1st Class D. Munroe was the ONLY U.S. Coast Guardsman to receive the CMH SEMPER PARATUS !

[@Loki1701e]

@@baronedipiemonte3990 i was meaning something else XD.

[@earlaagaard8175]

Most people don't realize it, but "ant-smuggling" is one of the more dangerous duties given to our military guys!! :-)

[@williammurray1341]

USCG provides security in places and ways few know.

[@brucewilliams6292]

I am amazed at how many people don't know that the Guard patrols all the oceans of the globe doing the odd, thankless, and sometimes deadly jobs that others are never quite suited for. Sempar Paratus is guide....

[@mantis10_surf85]

Happy Coast Guard Day! 231 years old. Semper Paratus!🇺🇸

[@Lawofimprobability]

And don't all good stories involve pirates... Yes, I know "paratus" has nothing to do with piracy but the pun is too good to miss.

[@alancranford3398]

I enjoyed this video. My uncle, Stephen Tepner, was on a Coast Guard tour in Vietnam. He's not around to tell me what he did--other than he was servicing navigation devices.

[@bozhijak]

I personally wish to thank you for this as someone who served with the Coast Guard. All the services have their 'sibling rivalries' even to this day. But it is done with respect and acknowledgement and a little fun. We all know what the mission is and we execute it to the best of our abilities. It's never, EVER pretty.

[@garykuipers2696]

Thank you for acknowledging the USCG's service in Vietnam. I served in the USGC during the 1970's.

[@tadroid3858]

Thank you. My LCMDR on the Polar Star served on a Point Class in Vietnam. Very disciplined man.

[@terenceturcotte4999]

I was birthed next to the Polar Star on Seattle aboard the Boutwell

[@avnrulz8587]

My neighbor's license plate has the letters 'TET'; he is a Vietnam vet, and didn't even realize that his license plate had them on it.

[@WarblesOnALot]

G'day, Yeah, February 1968, watching the US Marines assaulting the US Embassy in Saigon on the (then newfangled !) TV, as they were trying to get back inside.... Watching the Saigon Chief of PoLice headshooting a handcuffed POW in the Street with a snub-nosed Revolver to the Right Temple - because Democracy & Rule Of Law & Due Process was the reason Unkle Spam's Propaganda claimed that ANZUS was conscripting our young men & sending them to prop up the (corrupt, nepotistic, incompetant) "Government" of the Republick of Veetnam... Watching the US General dolefully intoning Oxymoronic Half-Witticisms on Camera, claiming, "We HAD To destroy the City of Hue.., in order to SAVE the City of Hue...; from the perils & evils of Commo-Unionism...!" Even as a 7 year-old, I could see that my parents realised that AmeriKa had sucked us (in Oz) into a Loser's War, fighting on the WRONG Side, for bullshit "Reasons" (Two Tonkin Gulf DOLPHINS, which were not actually playing Communist Dominoes...), all while propping up a Gang of murderous Thieves in Saigon. Yeah, I remember the Tet Offensive. That was when the World realised that Unkle Spam was doomed to lose. The Die was thus cast, and except for Grenada, and Nicaragua..., AmeriKa has lost every Waauugh(!) it has launched, ever since. Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iraqagain, Libya, Syria, Absurdistandstill... Ouuu-Raaahhh (?) ! It should be completely HILARIOUS when Unkle Spam tries to pick their next Loser's Shitfight - them there Chinamen, they be goanna win, BIGTIME. ALL because, AmeriKans never ever do learn from their muddled military mistakes - which they always later pretend didn't ever actually happen in that way the rest of the Planet remembers it, as having gone down.... The Meek shall inherit the Earth. Which, Godtheory knows..., is why AmeriKa is always foredoomed to keep on losing ; every time it CHOOSES to launch yet another HUBRISTIC, & bloody stupid, Waaauuugh(!). Just(ifiably ?) sayin', Such is life. Have a good one... Stay safe. ;-p Ciao !

[@whiterabbit-wo7hw]

Ed G Power That's funny. Never mind what the other freak replied. He was still in diapers when Vietnam was going on. Semper Fi!

[@WarblesOnALot]

@@whiterabbit-wo7hw G'day, Stop Projecting... If you were still wearing "Diapers" (Nappies, as we call them here in Oz) when you were 7 years old, you "Freak"...; then that explains much (concerning your apparent Global Developmental Delay...). You've been wearing your heart upon your sleeve again, unconsciously - presumably (?). Such is life, Have a good one... Stay safe. ;-p Ciao !

[@markbyrum4743]

Semper Paratus! As a Coast Guard Veteran starting from the early 1970's, I served with many Vietnam Coastie Vets. They were a small, underappreciated bunch. Thank you for highlighting their service! Good vid. Keep at it!

[@Me2Lancer]

Thank you for this overview of the Coast Guard role in Operation Market Time. I served aboard USS Brister DER 327 (Destroyer Escort Radar). In late February 1965 we were returning from operations in the South Pacific, Sydney Australia and Pago Pago Samoa with plans to return to the west coast after years of deployment in the Trust Territories of the Pacific. In early March orders to the west coast were cancelled. Our ship and several other DERs received orders to deploy to South Vietnam. After outfitting with additional armament in Pearl Harbor we departed Pearl Harbor with several other DERs to join in support of Operation Market Time. We arrived in mid-March of '65. Each DER was assigned the role of Area Commander off the coast of Vietnam. Our role was virtually identical to what you described for the Coast Guard. Patrols were spread out from just south of the DMZ, down the coast, just offshore, around the southern tip of south Vietnam to the southern border of Cambodia near Phu Quoc Island in the Gulf of Thailand.

[@pamelamays4186]

I see that you have acquired a new History Kitten.

[@UCPD198]

He's not new. He has been seen in several earlier episodes.

[@j.e.g2321]

Good to see this my father severed on the Minnetonka and I still have the news paper article on there return home. Again thank you and the people who serve in the USCG.

[@stephenbrown937]

Great episode!!! My father was one of the 8,000 in the USCG that served in Vietnam.

[@michaelhopkins2965]

That Coasties quote about the boredom of combat is close to my own. Combat deployments are 99.9% boredom and .01% sheer terror and adrenaline.

[@bryantsemenza9703]

One of the most pointed statements made.

[@desertdinghy9833]

My hobby is scratchbuilding models of USCG cutters. The Coast Guard has always been more than generous in providing official blueprints and imagery of their cutter assets. In my work, I have always been greeted by polite and genuinely kind cutter crews and the coffee was freely offered as I went aboard to take detail shots for my various projects. So far, I've built two models of the 82 footers, a 32' PWB, the 52, MLB and the buoy tender USCGC Fir. All of them were donated to the USCG Museum Northwest, gratis, in appreciation for all the U.S. Coast Guard does for us. I am getting pretty old these days, but there's always room for one more model. This one will be another 82 footer because they are, to my eye, one of the most graceful and beautifully designed Coast Guard cutters ever to serve our nation. God bless all you coasties out there. May the Lord always shine His grace on you and protect you whenever you cast off your lines to go out onto that unforgiving sea.

[@PhantomLover007]

Happy birthday to all you coasties. Outstanding story of their service in Vietnam. We in the army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force may rib our brothren of the coasts, but they play a significant part in defense and Aid of our country and elsewhere

[@darrenbrashaw8409]

On board the Point Welcome when it was attacked was British photographer Tim Page who was wounded over 200 times, he would be an interesting subject for an episode.

[@chrism.713]

I was on the second cutter, the Point Orient, to arrive on scene. Semper Paratus!

[@EstorilEm]

USCG doesn’t get enough respect! It’s interesting to hear the LORAN references as I manage a farm property once owned by Henry and Alfred Loomis, who created LORAN (Loomis Radio Navigation, or LRN - aka LORAN). Our small CAF museum also has an early airborne LORAN receiver which was mounted on our TBM Avenger. Covering the two Loomis’ and their contributions to radar, tuxedo park, the cavity magnetron, etc would be a FASCINATING episode! They were both brilliant individuals with a history that defies belief.

[@joegibson4946]

Actually, LORAN stands for Long Range Aids-to_Navigation.

[@thomasdurkin8719]

Thank you for remembering and honoring the Coast Guard.

[@gus473]

Semper Paratus!

[@dennisammann9104]

Thank you History Guy for producing another outstanding video of the USCG. 😀 I have a warm spot in my heart for our USCG. My late mother was a storekeeper 3rd class petty officer at USCG Repair Base Long Beach, CA during WWII. Whenever we attended a patriotic event such as Independence Day, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, they would play each Armed Forces theme song and ask the veterans to stand when their respective song was played. My late father and I would stand when they played ‘Anchors Away’, the Navy’s song. Seems like they would play ‘Semper Paratus’, the USCG’s song last, but my mother would stand up proudly and salute! She was the ONLY one standing for her beloved CG. I miss her dearly and my father too who was a Navy WWII veteran who served in the Pacific aboard USS Dixie (AD-14) as a pipe fitter. 🇺🇸 When I see a ‘Coastie’ in uniform here in San Diego, I go up to them, thank them for their service, and shake their hand. I tell them my mother was a Coastie during WWII with misty eyes. They probably think I’m nuts? I write this with tears in my eyes…. 😢 As for the Vietnam War, I was stationed aboard two destroyers: USS Perkins (DD-877) & USS Everett F. Larson (DD-830) as a yeoman 3rd class petty officer. They made combat cruises in 1970 & 1972. We provided Naval Gunfire Support for targets in Cambodia and South Vietnam during 1970. In 1972 we were assigned targets by Dong Hoi, North Vietnam. This video brought back memories as we cruised past sampans and fishing boats. We never stopped or boarded them as that wasn’t our job, but wondered if they were carrying cargo that would be used against our forces there? Although we lost the war, we received the best refugees after the war… ‘boat people’ as history calls them. They came here with nothing, set up businesses, sent their children to college, and they’re all great Americans! Much better than some born here, that don’t appreciate what they have. 🤔 A warm welcome to Strudel, the new History Cat! We are all waiting to see the other kitten’s cameo appearance. 🐈 Happy Birthday USCG personnel! 🎂🍰🧁🥂🍺🎈🎉🎊🪅 PS I was aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in March 1984 when we ‘accidentally’ ran over that Victor Class Soviet submarine off South Korea. I wrote a comment to that THG video. 🤔😀🇺🇸

[@kristoffermangila]

Let me tell you, the Soviet sub captain was an IDIOT...

[@steverennie5787]

Love the History Kitty's appearance at the end... purring away. The world needs more cute, little cats.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I agree.

[@chashague8479]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel History Guy: I really enjoy your mentions of the Coast Guard. Many thanks! Have you considered joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary? CGAux.org.

[@thepresslerfamily8282]

THG - Sincere thanks for this endearing review of the USCG’s mission during the Vietnam War and honoring those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

[@n3glv]

My coastie ET bud after a couple of river patrol boats got lit up by a COBRA, took a fire axe to the prow of one and discovered that the mfg had substituted chicken wire for the 110 hardware cloth that would reflect the friend/foe radar. Chicken wire is too big so that means enemy to the chopper.

[@Gmtail]

When I was younger I never had a desire to join the Military, although I did and still do have immense respect for those who do.. I did however had a desire to join the Coast Guard and so wish I had done so. Their mission is awesome and I've seen their special forces teams are bad ass..

[@richardbarr3289]

Thank you again for a Proud Coast Guardsman! Semper Paratus!

[@hellbilly6532]

Being an old wing nut myself I’ve always thought the coast guard was way under appreciated. Good episode

[@ronfullerton3162]

Them and the Merchant Marine were both very important and yet received little acknowledgement. Both served under 'hot fire" usually with light armorment.

[@flagmichael]

They are thought of as very minor characters until they are needed... and we don't realize how much they are needed every day.

[@chrishinkson590]

What is the Coast Guard? “The Coast Guard is that hard nucleus which the Navy forms around in time of war.” USCG Manuel. As I remember it from 45 years ago.

[@patrickcraig6032]

For sure!!!

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

President Ronald Reagan repeated that same quote to a TV reporter

[@fishheds]

@@baronedipiemonte3990 I found myself on here from when Reagan visited our cutter 39 years ago.

[@clydedahler9542]

My CG duty stations was aboard the 255' Wachusett Seattle, Washington 1963-64 and the 311' Matagorda Sand Island,Hawaii 1964-67. This Boatswain striker i knew put in Nam duty but was refused, he felt really bad after they told him they were only excepting EM's and CS's

[@blakerobinson8]

They still teach that in OCS

[@morbes]

Nice more Coast Guard history on Coast Guard day. Keep it up History Guy!

[@erickamekonapeper4007]

God Bless you Brother you have done a huge service for our Beloved United States Coast Guard I didn’t serve I’m a Fisherman and I love the Coast Guard and I love you for this presentation! Thank you 🙏🏼❤️🇺🇸⚓️

[@donalddodson7365]

Thank you. My Coast Guard colleagues will be encouraged that they, indeed, are worth remembering. So often they say with a smile, the modified motto of "Simply Forgot Us." Well done Coast Guard!

[@bubbasynklayr6965]

I'm a 21 year CG veteran and this video is great! You hit the nail right on the head, history guy! Bravo Zulu!!

[@metalmill52]

Excellent episode, many thanks! Hat’s off to the USCG!

[@gus473]

Semper Paratus! ⚓🚁👍🏼😎

[@cjjohnson9413]

Semper Paratus is a laugh, I joined to dodge the draft

[@andypanda4927]

Thank You! Early on in my svc, served under few of these guys. Maybe their character why stayed for 22yrs.

[@floundergearjam]

HG, Thanks for this great vid. My Great Uncle Francis McNichol was in the Coast Guard. He operated a landing craft landing Marines on Iwo Jima in February 1945. He took Marines in and the wounded out. He also saw both flag raisings on Mount Suribachi through his binoculars. The USCG's role in our nations defense and well being has never truly been told and appreciated.

[@johnmorgan4921]

Thank you for remembering the USCG. I served on the Point Doran out of Everett WA., I loved those Patrol Boats, there were 5 in the Puget Sound when I served.

[@patrickcraig6032]

Hi John,I was on PT Richmond at Anacortes WA.Late 70's

[@michaeldelvecchio41]

I have always been fascinated with the Vietnam War as it was ending around the time I was born and I began meeting some of the men who were fortunate enough to make it home though they had more than physical scars. One of those heroes of the Vietnam War was a neighbor. He recently transferred to a much better place where he no longer is tormented with the war memories he dealt with daily. He was a member of the Navy and my brother discovered a little more info about his rank and the names of his parents. We didn't get to know him as much as I would have liked to as we only got to talk with him occasionally. His name was Jerry. He enjoyed painting cheery scenes on ceramic tiles and saw blades. He also painted the outside wall of a local restaurant. He said that after getting back from Nam he w as in an auto repair business with his brother, back in Philly. He charished life and didn't like killing anything if he could help it. He said he had seen too much death already.

[@004Black]

Several years after the Vietnam War, while in Juneau Alaska, I served on the Mesquite class cutter, USCGC Planetree (WLB307). She was a buoy tender that had served in WWII and Korea. On April 24, 1966 the Plantree became the first Coast Guard buoy tender to enter the Vietnam theater of operations. She set 16 off-loading buoys in 4 ports. While in Dry dock in 1980, I learned that the Planetree was struck several times by enemy fire thus explaining the unusual welded patches on the superstructure. Those nearly 2 years aboard her changed my life. I met and married my wife while serving and spent 30 years in Juneau as a civilian. The Planetree had a storied past and served our nation well before decommissioning in 1999.

[@gnchuey]

Did my four in the USCG. Served a little over a year on an 82 - stateside. Great video, thank you for all of your work. Never Parade Us!!

[@thekinginyellow1744]

Not up on USCG slang. Is "Never Parade Us" a play on "Semper Paratus"?

[@gnchuey]

@@thekinginyellow1744 Absolutely

[@michaelmcdonald8877]

Professor, thank you for this video! Mike McD, RM2, USCG, 1973 to 1977.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

Same here Professor, PS-2 USCGR D8 (AD) 90-96

[@timerickson7056]

many guys joined the coastguard to avoid being drafted and almost definitely sent to vietnam. including a friend of mine as well as Jeff and beu bridges . my friend tells the story about finishing basic training everyone got their orders in envelopes. he remembers hearing I got hawaii ,I got alaska, I got florida , he stood there and stared at his orders and someone asked him what did you get? he said I got vietnam.

[@kristoffermangila]

That really sucked...

[@samrussell2103]

Thanks so much for the experiences you provide. I especially love the sessions about the Coast Guard as I served from 78-82 mostly at the CG Yard in Baltimore and saw many vessels and talked to many of the oldtimers....

[@davidjames4677]

Excellent Episode. Of my 4 years in the CG I served ~2 years on the Pt. Baker in the Gulf of Mexico 92-94. We were always told they were used in Vietnam, your video verifies that and provides the story I never looked into. They rode pretty rough in the Gulf's choppy waters, anything over 5' seas and you were in for a ride.

[@whitedovetail]

Thank you so much for doing this video. Some of us know how involved the Coast Guard was during the Vietnam war. They were all manned by some real heroes that took their jobs very seriously. And as you stated, their hard and heroic work was not mentioned very often. The Coast Guard did an amazing job and all of those sailors and officers should have all be given medals for what they did. Another Outstanding video by THG!!!

[@jwash7614]

Thank you Mr & Mrs. Geiger for all that you do. I never miss a episode. From a Coast Guard vet 89-98. Blessings to you and your family! :-))

[@dlaw8091]

Also, 26 of the 82s were left in Viet Nam. They were transferred to the South Viet Nam navy along with 4 of our 311 foot cutters. The other 53 of the 82 foot cutters were in USCG service into the mid 90s. Many of them were transferred to other countries and continue to serve.

[@patrickcraig6032]

Very true,I was on PT Richmond in Washington State.70's

[@garyweiler1876]

@@patrickcraig6032 I use to catch a ride to Pateos Island in 70/71, was ET at Base Seattle

[@patrickcraig6032]

@@garyweiler1876 Pateos Island Light was automated when I was on the 82.We were very busy doing fisheries patrols.SAR

[@neoncyber2001]

I love the pieces on the Coast Gaurd. I send them to my family which has lots of coaaties in it. my Grandmother was the first woman from North Carolina to join the Coast Gaurd. I would love to see something on the first women of the Coast Gaurd.

[@bryantsemenza9703]

Absolutely, the SPARS were Top notch in the USCG.

[@bryantsemenza9703]

Thank you so much History Guy… you always keep the Coast Guard History alive. I can’t thank you enough. Even though we are a small service, we have such a large mission. Sincerely Bryant Semenza CPO (R)

[@kevindown1592]

Starting in the 8th grade I became aware of the Vietnam War. Young men in our small town were drafted and served in the Army. By the time I was a junior in high school ( 1971 ) I began to consider my options for service. My family had served in WWII in the Army & 2 cousins were serving in the Army during that time as well. I happen to mention to a returning veteran that I was considering joining the Coast Guard to avoid serving in ground forces. He looked at me and ask rather incredulous “ who do you think guards the coast of Vietnam? “ I hadn’t considered that. Little did I know that one could wind up in the war effort no matter which branch you joined. Years later I worked with a fellow who joined the Navy to avoid getting drafted. He was trained as a radar technician and spent his service time in a ground radar station 1 click from the Cambodian border. The only time he was on a ship was traveling to Vietnam. Ya never know.

[@LadyMarie880]

I have a first cousin in the Canadian Coast Guard ...and I Thank him for his services and the American CG as well. Thankyou for this video as well, and the sharing

[@skychief399]

Thanks Mr. History Guy. This is part of the Vietnam War I didn’t know about, or realize happened. It’s always been Army, Marines, Air Force, and Navy. The Coast Guard played an unquestionable important roll there. It’s a crying shame the politicians forced us to loose the war. So many lives lost for so little return.

[@michaeldougfir9807]

Sky Chief -- Well spoken Sky Chief. Some details that many have "forgotten" and most young ones need to learn. Michael D., Bos'n Mate on a fleet tug. (Danang)

[@bretnielsen5502]

Thank you to those who have served our nation both in the Coast Guard and the other branches of the military.

[@GraemePayne1967Marine]

Thanks for another episode about the combat work of the USCG, probably the least known and most under-appreciated of the US Armed Forces. Yes I am a Marine (Vietnam 1969-70) but even I have an idea how valuable and important the "shallow-water sailors" are to our country.

[@alabamacoastie6924]

Thanks History Guy for the USCG shout out. I learned a lot about our mission in Vietnam from this video that I hadn't heard before. Semper Paratus!

[@briankroenung7995]

Thank you for mentioning the Coast Guard’s role in maintaining LORAN-C stations during the Vietnam War.. My dad was a Coastie Telephone Technician stationed in Bangkok and would maintain the numerous LORAN-C stations in Thailand and South Vietnam.

[@campcookingwithchris1963]

Always appreciate stories about the Coast Guard... In other notes, I teared up when I saw you holding a cat... Hope all is well with you and yours.

[@kiplingslastcat]

I'm glad to see that you are covering the Coast Guard so .much. As s former myself it makes me proud to know our so often forgotten service is being remembered. Thank you!

[@TheRifleman336]

Great video, love your presentation of the material, my uncle was serving state side in the CG during this time, flying over lake Michigan for both SAR, and anti-smuggling duties from Canada of bootleg liquor.

[@kristoffermangila]

They still smuggle bootleg liquor up there!? I thought it died out after Prohibition was repealed?

[@guylelanglois6642]

Spent eight years in the coast guard, late seventies and early eighties. Nice to hear about our history. Thank you sir

[@pjkentucky]

A good friend of mine was a coast guard recon swimmer. He had many stories of being assigned to navy/special forces and operating in north Vietnam waters. I’m glad the coast guard is finally recognized for there service in Vietnam.

[@dr.frankenphoon6254]

Thank you! Another great episode! I would love to see any episodes on the USCG, especially when serving in wartime. Yes, the Coast Guard is largely forgotten in time of war. My father commanded a Patrol Frigate (PF45) manned by fellow USCG personal in WWII South Pacific. Their very first conflict was Leyte Gulf, where the navy DDs & DEs got all the credit for saving the day.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

kzbin.info/aero/PLSnt4mJGJfGhl14PcSOmkB-KWtmDn64VE

[@timoanez4668]

I had the pleasure to served on the USCG Cutter Point Glass from 98 to 01 out of Fort Lauderdale, those were the best years of my life as a skinny 19 year old kid and where l learned maritime law enforcement and later became a Texas police officer going on 16 years.

[@chrisylink]

My father was in the coast guard for the Vietnam War. He would never talk to us about it. All I ever knew is that he was on one of the first boats there and was only armed with a pistol. A 1911. Thankyou Dennis Roy Fox. We miss you every single day. Fly high captain 🇺🇸 🇺🇲

[@chrism.713]

I served on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Point Dume at the time.

[@chrissnape9537]

History is the only subject I enjoyed in school. I love your 15 minute videos full of interesting facts and then bringing it all together like this one 1972 is when they finally left. As far as that war goes this was relatively safe duty

[@pbfloyd46]

Great topic. The coast guard really flies under the radar as a service branch. Teaching about their actions over seas helps showcase the branch and spark interest. Thanks for this episode!

[@john_in_phoenix]

Very nice tribute to the USCG. They deserve more.

[@chiefpontiac1800]

A good story HG. I think that this would have made a good movie.

[@Nerd3Ddotcom]

True but Hollywood would skip the fascinating story and replace it with cheap CG special effects.