Rare Combat Footage From My Tour in Vietnam | Veteran Interview

[@Thevietnamexperience]

The film crew that accompanied Yeager's platoon was filming for a documentary titled "Same Mud, Same Blood." It can be viewed here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJycaHpsec2Jo7M

[@stevepowsinger733]

Thanks, I watched it. The video quality is very fuzzy but you can see a few things. Actually, the theme of the piece in race relations in the war hence the title “same mud same blood”. I was in Nam in 68 so it is familiar. I was with the 4th which was in the same general area as the 101st.

[@amir4r803]

Blessings

[@whelennut]

God bless you sir!

[@sureshchiatar9641]

Hero

[@Praise___YaH]

Guys, here is our Savior YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified/Pierced for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF” From the Ancient Egyptian Semitic: "Yad He Vav He" is what Moshe (Moses) wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3) Ancient Egyptian Semitic Direct Translation Yad - "Behold The Hand" He - "Behold the Breath" Vav - "Behold The NAIL"

[@LauraLederer-ce1bz]

That’s my brother and I’m totally in awe of him and the men and women who served! I’m thankful he came home! Brings tears to my eyes remembering how he was when he came back home! He lost a comrades and friends! Thank you my brother for your service!

[@brendanmorrissey2104]

Aren't we lucky to have such honourable, humble and brave men with us.

[@edkurtz]

SSG Kurtz says, Thank You, God Bless You and your family, and Welcome Home Hero! o7

[@Edward.Rippett.]

God bless him. I pray he is doing well🙏❤️

[@paulymac5513]

A combat vet's opinion carries more weight no matter his views on things, he gets my respect.

[@karlbotkin2349]

I'm glad he made it home. My Friend's brother Mike did not. We love and miss him always.

[@joehenslee]

Gary, it was my platoon you were coming to help on Oct 8, 1967. Glad you made it home. God bless.

[@jimoconnor6043]

hey Gary! Still taking up space I see. Jimmy O

[@porenegee]

WOW. How very awesome. Glad you BOTH made it home. Thank you all for your service ❤️

[@idecidenotyou]

God was a delusional man who.was put on a cross to keep.ppl from acting mental in life.. he didnot infact creat one thing.. not the earth not anything.. he was on earth 2000 years ago.. dinosaurs roamed the earth 65million years ago.. time to.wake up and stop following a lie.. go Google it.. facts don't lie..

[@LuisFlores-vl3xz]

I was born October 9 1967. Thank you for your service sir.

[@Wuhangangg]

1996 baby cant imagine what you guys did. thank you for everything

[@Matthitizidu]

Imagine being in the jungle for 30 days and having to be on point to make sure you and your buddies didn’t die. That’s constant focus. Crazy

[@ArnoldandSonsExteriors]

It's not "crazy at all. It's called war.

[@Matthitizidu]

@ war is crazy

[@philbrown9764]

I’m a Marine Nam Vet and was lucky to be stationed at Chu Lai 68-69 1st MAW MAG 12. If I hadn’t been, I might not be here today. And I was lucky to go through San Francisco airport in the early hours, when hardly anyone was there and Dallas Love Field around 7-8am. I wasn’t spit on or called names at either place. But I want to tell my Nam Vet Brothers and Sisters…WELCOME HOME. And to those who didn’t make it…SALUTE. Y’all are the true Heroes.

[@thompsonfamilygaming0039]

Welcome home sir! Thank you for your service!

[@crashburn3292]

It aways amazes me how veterans like Yeager never over-dramatize or chest-thump when talking about combat. They say unassuming things like, "It wasn't too friendly out there." They describe being wet, exhausted, scared, being 135lbs carrying a 50lb pack all day while having leeches and ants constantly all over them as: "It was kind of uncomfortable." They all have my respect and gratitude.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

Many of those packs were more than 50 pounds

[@bigbadbamboo1]

When mortars start hitting the ground, all kinds of things start coming up. Some guys would flip out when Centipedes crawling on them. 😕

[@invisibletosociety8338]

Brave young men who went through terrible things that can't be explained

[@stevepowsinger733]

All these things I encountered - all manner of insects that bit you, esp mosquitos. I recall I picked up a leech on my dick after my pants were shredded falling down in the mountainous jungle. The 101st probably served longer than any other division (although they only had a brigade). Edit: It wasn’t terrible all the time, depending on the unit you were with, but when it got bad it got very bad. The thing was, you didn’t know how bad it would get, the worst case being if you were hit. Luckily I was never hit.

[@brandenrunyan1821]

A different breed of men than today.

[@mudkings]

That really pisses me off when you hear these guy's say when they came back they had to hid there uniforms... They did not choose to go there yet they still had the salt to stand up for the guy to the left and right of you! Thank you all that served!

[@Vince-si4gx]

To all the veterans out there that served this country, Welcome Home and thank you. To the brave men and women that were not fortunate to make it home may you rest in peace.

[@djholliday5132]

God bless our Vietnam vets who have never received the love & understanding they deserve. American veterans paid the price for the freedoms we enjoy. Thank you will never be enough. 🇺🇸

[@slvxyz]

Gary is a beautiful man. It's great to hear something about his life. We are so glad he made it home.

[@Sir-Vivor]

The biggest victory of a grunt was the flight back to the world

[@AnonAnonAnon]

10:41 You've nothing to be ashamed of. Thank you for your service Sir. I attended a briefing in 1990 regarding conduct after capture. One of the men giving a talk on it was a Vietnam veteran, a POW. He spoke of his time being held by the North Vietnamese. He too went through guilt and shame when he finally got home. Guilt about his friends who never went home and shame of being caught. I remember we all stood up after his talk, clapped him and afterwards most of my squadron going up to shake his hand and thank him for his service. Best of luck for your future.

[@maxsmith695]

North Vietnam never attacked America. Brutal unjust attack that slaughtered 3,000,000 innocents. No wonder those guys are all messed up. They all try hard to be relevant. The fly knew what he was.

[@PeteMonzingo-ff8ls]

My father went to Vietnam at the beginning of the Tet Offensive up in the DMZ. Happy fucking New Year 1968. Horrible introduction to Hell. He once told me about survival over there after being in the jungles during monsoons on R&R. You either drank alcohol or did drugs to keep existing. My dad came back a "killing machine " not a father anymore. I was 11 in 1969 when he returned. Then he got stationed to Twentynine Palms (Stumps) for another 2 1/2 years. I enjoyed living on the Marine Corp's Base. He just adapted, adjusted, and overcame the process of the transfer. I learned to ride motorcycles out there, and I haven't stopped. Even after a TBI from a motorcycle accident. I'm 66 years old and I learned to adapt, adjust and overcome too my brain injury. My dad always told me, "The more the pain, the more you gain" The Marine Corp way of existence. God bless all of you, VN Vets and military veterans in America 🇺🇸 Thank you for helping me survive an unfortunate episode in my personal life.

[@Jukkala]

The fact that he can have a sense of humor about it is probably the reason he keeps it together as well as he does.

[@nanalcd5628]

I salute you and all the VN Vets and thank you all from my heart. 48 years ago I came to the US as a VN refugee. Now I am retired and enjoy traveling around the US. Never return to VN and never will. God Bless America, land of the freedom.

[@GrahamShepherd-ud8qy]

Your war, your creation. Your Trump. Shame America. The land of the lie

[@GrahamShepherd-ud8qy]

Your war, your creation. Your Trump. Shame America. The land of the lie

[@GrahamShepherd-ud8qy]

Your war, your creation. Your Trump. Shame America. The land of the lie

[@GrahamShepherd-ud8qy]

Your war, your creation. Your Trump. Shame America. The land of the lie

[@HappyPoppyFlowers-nr4jh]

GOD BLESS YOU !! Lost my uncle mid-3/68 , tail end of bloody TET , in NAMs Central Highlands , near Pleiku ! " Andy" was Kia 2wks b-4 my 11th BDAY !!

[@rogershipman3578]

I was born in 1963 and grew up watching the Vietnam war on the nightly news. I had cousins that were in the military, one went to Vietnam. I had the utmost respect for all of those guys that served in Vietnam and still do. I always wanted to be a Soldier just like them and enlisted in the Army in 1987. I saw combat in my own war in Afghanistan and Iraq after 9/11. I retired after 20 years of service.

[@greasyflight6609]

You must have been a very Senior Soldier. My respects

[@nychris2258]

All a bunch of illegal pointless unsuccessful wars.

[@mariekatherine5238]

Thank you for your service! It’s so good to see someone who had respect for our troops back in the time when most people did not. I never lost respect for our troops, either. Of course, my Dad was in the Navy and two brothers in the Army.

[@jayluis189]

@@greasyflight6609 Nah, he was 24 YO when he joined, and 44 when he got out. That's not very old at all. When I was in, there was soldiers in their late 40s and 50s. CSMs, LTCs, COLs, MSGs, and so on.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

So tell me. I am a real Vietnam Vet. How many people did you kill?

[@andym3511]

What a genuine, gentle, lovely man. Wars don"t discriminate ... nice people get minced up too. So sad that this gentle sole had to go through this.

[@Slithey7433]

I have enormous respect for anyone wearing the CIB. I did my Army service in ‘61 - ‘64, so was spared the Vietnam experience. I can’t imagine what it was like to not only suffer the discomfort but also to have people trying to kill me and watching comrades dying. God bless you all.

[@louisguidry2401]

Thank you for your sevice. I got my CIB off of firebase Pro .Carrying the m-60 pig. Ive had to much to drink and have taken my PTSD meds. I'm 72 yrs old and the war experince have never left me. Its something you can never unsee. Thanks be to God for Dr. Hall at the Katy, Tx. VA.

[@stevepowsinger733]

I was very proud when I got my CIB after a couple months in the jungle in 1968. Race relations were mostly good but there were a few instances of strife. I was shocked when I heard talk of fragging by the brothers at one point.

[@theophilhist6455]

Yeah I with ya brother Vietnam Era vet...I was in the Navy Atlantic fleet while other guys I trained with wound up on PBRs on the nasty river missions...and well...I need not say another thing...

[@maxsmith695]

Unjust war.

[@theophilhist6455]

@@maxsmith695 Initially it had the merits of a just war. It began as all wars do, considering, "Aggression unchecked is aggression unleashed" ...so the question each one of us must process in their own heart and mind, is to ask "when is aggression just"? The war devolved into a messed up tragic story for both sides. I know too well those who suffered on both sides.

[@jackzimmer6553]

Thank you for your service. This country owes Vietnam veterans like yourself much more than we can ever repay. You should never had to endure the hate by some at home. Very sad.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

Go find a Vietnam Veteran, and buy him or her a cup of coffee, at the very least, a proper meal if you can.

[@namvet1968]

Drafted '67. 14 months in Vietnam. Most Americans have no idea what war is like. Stress is off the charts.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

@@namvet1968 how are you now?

[@namvet1968]

@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 Coping.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

@@namvet1968 did 2 years. returned, heroin only solution. got cleaned up, best mate killed himself on a needle was tough for him. don't be afraid to talk about it, if you don't, you will only bleed from the inside.

[@davidca96]

The look on his face in the very beginning tells it all, utter terror. Its nice to see him as an elder now knowing he made it.

[@AsphaltMan11]

Thank you , PLEASE do more of these, we are losing the Vietnam Vets more everyday, these stories and insights are needed, my Uncle is now suffering horribly from handling Agent Orange, not sure how much longer we'll have him, they didn't ask for this , they did what their Country asked of them and got s**t on, they deserve this. Semper Fi to my brothers who went before.

[@dgoddard]

You're an outstanding human being! You have nothing to be ashamed of. This world would be a better place if we had more people like you in it. Thank you for your service!

[@thetraveller869]

I served in the Royal Marines from 1971-1977 and was lucky enough not to go to war. I did do three trips to Belfast which was - we were definitely told by our government - NOT a war. The enemies, because there were several, didn't see it like that. They were most assuredly at war, with us and with each other. I remember thinking I was glad not to be American or Australian or New Zealander, since all of them served in Vietnam. Thank you for your service.

[@bryanfreese5155]

This Gulf War era veteran salutes you brother 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@joeblack3878]

This was very insightful. I was medically retired back in 2006 (blown up in an ambush and shot a few months afterwards) during my third combat deployment. We were fighting insurgents in Hit, Iraq during the Ramadi surge. When I came home the VA took care of me as well. They covered my college and I ended up with an MBA. I went from an Infantry Squad Leader to working in the financial industry doing risk and assurance. Can always tell the ones who experienced what “it” really is. Thanks for sharing (and reading my rambling).

[@goaskmymom1350]

It's not rambling Joe Black. We honor you for your service! Glad you made it home Joe! Blessings 🙏

[@Thomas-uw3fp]

Thank you. Glad you made it back

[@Vadanovltch]

what years did you serve in ramadi? 06 or before?

[@joeblack3878]

@@Vadanovltch 06 - 1st AD, 1st BDE, A-Co 1-36

[@Alexkav2]

Not one bit a ramble. I just heard strength.

[@mrsmith1339]

I was a combat engineer in the Delta we did not wear socks or underwear because the ring worm in the river water would duplicate the pattern of the elastic.Its a different world when you are hot and wet all the time. We built gravel roads and telephone bridges to no where. We accomplished nothing. We were removed from the economy and from society. We were soaked in Agent Orange. The exit physical was a blood test which was probably thrown away. After Vietnam even the VFW didn't want us. The Veterans Administration ignored us and Agent Orange for years. They still delay and deny until we die. 17 nasty conditions are presumed to be caused by Agent Orange, but there are more.

[@thompsonfamilygaming0039]

Welcome home! Thank you for your service!

[@ruthanneluvsvacuuming6653]

It’s ridiculous how much the medical professionals ignore in so many patients

[@richardlevasseur6771]

I hear you! They are delaying me! My daughter was born with birth defect relating to my exposure! That is what hurts and infuriates me the most! At least take care of her!

[@DavidMiddleton]

When i was a kid Vietnam veterans were still relatively young men and WW2 vets were the old guys. It shocked me recently when i realized that these guys are now the old vets. So glad we are able to preserve this history and hear their stories.

[@brendaodonovan8435]

I just stumbled onto your story, and would just like to say thank you for serving. You were all heroes in my eyes.

[@maxsmith695]

How was killing 3,000,000 North Vietnamese and others in the region, a good thing, when they did nothing?

[@coladeburo]

Heros? No way.... Maybe babykiller

[@slaughterhouse5585]

@@coladeburo Congratulations! You win the prize for the dumbest remark of the week. 🤪

[@chrisnnh]

It’s important to hear from these guys now. “Now” like he would have been a high school buddy, then. I’m thinking about several of mine who died in Vietnam. Rex received the MOH after his death. Mike killed 2 days before Thanksgiving in a battle around Dak To. Every time I watch these videos I’m reminded of what a Vietnam Vet said, “My first day in Country was the last day I believed anything my government told me.” Yet, they still fought and died.

[@MikeB128]

The same is true for a lot of us younger Iraq/Afghanistan vets. It took me about 3 months in country to realize that we had been massively lied to, and it was all a sham to make certain people VERY wealthy while we did all the nasty bidding. The cycle of this Military Industrial Complex must be stopped at some point, and I hope I see it in my lifetime.

[@70stunes71]

@@MikeB128 Lebanon for me brother...glad you made it home..couple decades went by and memorial day I was walking in a cemetery in a local small town, when I happened upon a grave of a local guy killed in Lebanon. No matter what conflict or war, it proved to me that we never really escape being influenced by it

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

@@MikeB128 Thanks for speaking out. You guys who served have the credibility and standing to change the system. I hope you continue to use your voice to influence change.

[@maxsmith695]

unjust war.

[@vermontsmostobesetubaplaye1988]

They all are. And this is a vet typing this.

[@fuzzy121]

To all the guys, and gals, who served there: thank you for your service. If no one ever said it to you, welcome home. For those who didn't make it back: RIP.

[@markpelley]

Thank you sir for your service, I can’t imagine being in your shoes!! Especially at 19! You’re a hero in my eyes!!

[@patmaloney5707]

This is an amazing story, I cannot imagine what he went through and spoke so calmly about it years later. Thank you sir for sharing and for what you went through.

[@ragnar010162]

I salute you, and thank you for your service Gary. I'm a therapist of over 30 years, and have had the privilege of working with multiple vets - including "nam vets." I have mad respect.

[@randyguadagno5164]

👐🏿💯

[@michaelhuffman6429]

I was born in 1960, too young to fight, but old enough to remember. I'm glad our Vietnam Veterans are starting to get the love and respect they so richly deserve, but I am sad the way many people in our country treated these young men when they came home.

[@jerryleethornsberry3548]

Sir, I want to firstly thank you from one serviceman to another for your service, I also have a huge amount of respect for you for sharing your experience, it is always appreciated to hear how it REALLY went down, you and all the rest of OUR heroes will always have a place in my heart, God bless you forever

[@1993yaeger]

Great retelling of events. I feel privileged when service members sit down and talk about their experiences. Certainly doesn't seem easy but we thank you for it!

[@Joe-mz6dc]

By the way just so you guys are completely clear. We respect the hell out of you for what you went through over there. 100% respect. God bless every single one of you.

[@dennismcguirl1546]

Thank you for sharing. My father served in Qui Non, Vietnam in 1965- 1966. Very similar stories, he passed away in April 2013 from Parkinson’s from being sprayed with Agent Orange. He was very proud of his service.

[@Flussig1]

We're proud of him.

[@Rhiles44]

My dad was born in 54 and failed the 6th grade so he got held back a year and graduated in 73 instead of 72. He was going to drop out in 72 and join the army but my grandfather wouldn’t let him so he didn’t. The war ended in 73 and my dad didn’t feel the desire to join anymore since the war was over. I always felt like all of that was fate that kept my dad not only from possibly being scarred for life but actually alive. I’m so grateful he didn’t go because I can’t imagine him possibly being any different than who he is now. And I love who he is and I’m so grateful he didn’t go.

[@tundrawomansays694]

Luck, be a Lottery and timing, my friend.

[@Rhiles44]

@@tundrawomansays694 be a lottery? I don’t understand

[@happytx1860]

​@Rhiles44, every there was a birthday lottery. The lower numbers were drafted 1st. Unless you were rich, in school, poor health .

[@Rhiles44]

@@happytx1860 yes I’m aware of the lottery. He was going to volunteer regardless of the lottery

[@richardlevasseur6771]

The war ended in 1975. I was the same age as your dad. After basic and getting a security clearance, I was sent to “Guam”! We were really sent on flights out of Guam to repatriate the civilians out of Viet Nam to the States. Tin City in Guam was the processing site. While I survived during this hectic period, I didn’t survive, nor did my daughter, the effects of Agent Orange!

[@davidhauton7643]

The video shows the raw anxiety in their faces, it takes a lot of courage to do that, conscripts or not. No wonder these experiences have been life changing.

[@JACKIEMONSOON]

Gary Yeager, your story and attitude are truly remarkable. When you mentioned walking the back roads to your family home-not because of your combat-related injuries, but because of the uniform you wore-it speaks volumes. That alone says it all. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

[@davidellis7695]

God bless this humble man for telling his story.

[@johnminichini2387]

Thank u Mr Yeager for your service. I was only a little boy when you were in Vietnam. Always thankful for men like you who served our country in Vietnam. You went when alot of others didn't. I was always in awe of that. God Bless and enjoy the rest of your days. 👍👍🙏

[@peterburry2531]

Did you even listen to Gary Yeager's words? He didn't see it as serving his country at all, and saw the wrongness and futility of it all. He said that if he'd have had kids of his own of serving age he'd have gladly sent them off to Canada... I like Gary Yeager. Such a gentle, wise and wonderful human being.

[@thefactsofhistory]

So glad you filmed this interview. My father served in Vietnam and never would talk about it. He passed a year ago. I am still kicking myself for not getting him to do something like this. Well done.

[@carabela125]

I grew up in the 1960s and watched the war on television news. I remember the day public opinion turned against our involvement. Life Magazine ran an issue showing everyone who died there in one week and it was a lot. Glad Gary made it back, my cousin got back too.

[@trixxter9]

Sir thank you so much for your service..I do understand your feelings about the war but you did serve you did with true heart and yes you are a hero..god bless you and do not think for a minute that your service and the service of the rest of those soldiers has gone un noticed...

[@joeritchie4554]

Love this. Thank you for your service. Another one of my hero's and their story. Viet Nam war vets are all hero's to me.

[@Buendicho]

I recall as a 17 year old kid graduating from High School with so many confused emotions on the Vietnam war. We had so many other older guys in their nineteenth’ and twenty’s coming back from Vietnam in the neighborhood who lost their lives in Vietnam. I volunteered to join the Army four year commitment in a Tank battalion, changed the coarse of my life and I was truly blessed. This war effected so many young men who were pushed into decisions in there lives who were ill prepared to deal with the harsh reality of life at the time.

[@tommyriam8320]

'..the _course_ of my life.. ' '..in _their_ lives..'

[@tundrawomansays694]

⁠@@tommyriam8320Yeah because it started out “me” and becomes “we.” We no longer fight for some great alleged “ideal” for the US but for the guy to the left of us and the guy to our life. “Me” becomes “We.” Without these guys, you’d have been dead. It takes about six months to truly accept you’re gonna die-what the military refers to as your “most effective” period as a combat soldier. Once you accept you’re gonna die, you become numb. Exactly what combat/11Bravo training has inculcated in you. Numb is safe-but it takes your humanity. So where does that leave you? Alone. CAN WE PLEASE HONOR AND ACCEPT THAT REALITY? The alternative is death.

[@kirklandelectricicnc]

Things were a little different when I was serving in Vietnam in 1970. I carried the M-60 (26lbs) as well, it wasn't a light weapon, especially with a 200 (12lbs) round starter belt wrapped around the gun. I was just under 6' at 195lbs. Not only that, but I carried an additional 400 rounds (24lbs), add a backpack, and you could be humping close to 112lbs. Luckily, we only stayed out two weeks, then came in for a rest. Our platoon went out with four squads, each with two gunners. I remember no one wanted to carry the M60, but on my third mission I happened to casually say, I wouldn't mind carrying it. You wouldn't believe how many gunners rushed me. The gunner was the one I was carrying ammo for at the time. He was a big boy from Kentucky, but he did not want to carry that gun any longer. We exchanged weapons right then and there, I gave him my m16, and he dumped his M60 on my lap and said good luck. At that moment, I realized I fucked up, what do tell you in basic training...never volunteer for anything. My hats off to that 135lb gunner.

[@fava7753]

ABSOLUTELY COMPLETE TOTAL RESPECT TO ALL WHO SERVED . ALL THOSE WHO SERVED WENT THROUGH HELL AND BACK . . A QUOTE FROM MY FATHER , WHO WENT THROUGH WW2 . . ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN THERE . KNOW WHAT WAR IS . . MY PERSONAL UTMOST RESPECT TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THESE PEOPLE , MALE AND FEMALE . . AND FOR THOSE WHO ARE STILL THERE . WHO NEVER RETURNED . .

[@Rollercoaster555]

I can relate to never returned

[@bigbadbamboo1]

Who feels it knows!

[@davidmcquade3508]

Well said mate,

[@tundrawomansays694]

Nonetheless you are here. My utmost respect to all my cohorts who are Vietnam Combat Vets. You aren’t forgotten but are reified by those of us who were a part of your experience at long range. You are NOT FORGOTTEN. WE KNOW, oh honey, we took care of you, we saw you as human beings, we knew your youth that had been spent and you became old men in young men’s bodies-because we were also. You are not alone. You are respected. (And if you can stand this sentiment, we love you.) You are our brothers, our daddys, our “boyfriends” and our partners. The reality was, you were MEN, not college boys. And for us, this Reality is our’s as well. Take care, my friends. We’re here. We get you. We’re here for you, until that time until you feel and know, you’ve been heard but more importantly, understood. .

[@chadandrade635]

My grandpa worked at that steal factory some place in California, I remember when he had a accident and broke his back and got burned 🔥 really bad 😢. Loyed Everett he was a awesome man and I'm very proud of him. He served in ww2.

[@josephstevens9888]

What an excellent interview! I very much appreciate Gary's truthfulness on his feelings on the Vietnam War. A dear friend of mine who served in the 1st Cav from 65' to 66' in country. He spoke about many things about his Vietnam experience, but never about combat. I respected his privacy on the matter. He left Vietnam early as well, but not because he was wounded. My friend contracted malaria, which occasionally would flare up at periods in his life. I lost my dear friend last October after he lived a full and beautiful life. Gary Yeager, God bless you and your fellow Vietnam Veterans.

[@restaurantattheendofthegalaxy]

What a story! Thank you for your service! I was artillery but 15 years after the Vietnam war ended in the early 90’s.

[@Tony-sj6on]

I served in the 9th infantry division in 1968 and my first heavy combat happened around 6 pm and they gave us all they had for about 2o some minutes and they disappeared like ghosts! Now till this day I can still hear combat some nights before bed and the scariest thing about it I can recognize some of the voices and I really can't tell if it's real of all in my mind when im stressed out.

[@jimaguirre5799]

Absolutely awesome. As a kid growing up in the 70's and 80's, My friends and I considered y'all heros and tried to mimic your valor! Thank you! Nothing brings guys together more than combat. It doesn't matter your race, you are all brothers and it doesn't matter what you look like. Respect to y'all.

[@burtthebeast4239]

Saw this footage in the Documentary DEAR AMERICA, Letters home from Vietnam. My absolute favorite Documentary. Rented and watched it so many times as a kid the movie store actually gave it to me. I watched it over and over until the VHS tape broke in the VCR.... Welcome home, thank you Sir, God bless you ALL...

[@rono108]

Sincere thanks for your service and the pain you and all your comrades endured.

[@davidmeckley3773]

I have two uncles that were in Vietnam. Both were in the Marines. The oldest one was a welder over there. The younger one was in the first Marine division infantry in 69. He is now in Arlington national cemetery. Thank you to ALL our veterans. May your sacrifice, deeds and gallantry be forgotten!

[@jackietucker8942]

Thank you for your service. It was a tough time for all of you and to many failed to support the task you were called to perform. Just THANK YOU. My husband served there too.

[@billlynn8256]

what task??? killing kids and water buffalo? what service???

[@roam4fun853]

A genuine PATRIOT and a humble human being! Thank you for your service Sir!

[@petrus666love]

Huge respect too all you guys , thank you for your service , I was an AFS student from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 in 1977 , starting talking too a plumber in my host family’s house , he told me a story from Nam , he was a veteran from the war , never forgot how proud I was for him too share his experience of the war too a young 16 year old from the UK who knew nothing of life , huge respect always for you 🙏I just wanted too add that I knew for him it took a lot of courage to relive that story too me and it was probably very painful for him too relive it .

[@CaptHank]

I was drafted, November 22, 1965, lived in Chester, PA. Did Basic at Ft. Gordon, then Signal School. After AIT, orders for Ft. Benning. The Sargent comes over and starts calling out names and told us to stand over to the side. He then told us that we lucked out, we were going to Germany. Got out November 1, 1967. Gary, thank you for your service.

[@robnewlee1787]

Thank you Gary. Great story and glad you made it home.

[@joem3177]

Awesome individual and fellow veteran. Speaks his experience of war with the emotions that only few can only see. Thank you for your service and sacrifice brother.

[@chrislinsmeyer9041]

Brave man to tell his story. Thank you.

[@Taxidermist47]

My brother was in the MeKong Delta 1966/67. He made it out alive, but later contracted cancer from Agent Orange. He still lived to be 78 years old and just passed this year. 11th Calvary , Black Horse Regiment.

[@Phan-Xu]

The guy at 2:15-2:18 who ducked down to avoid being shot is Sgt. Albert Alan Dobbs. He is the inspiration for the song 19 by Paul Hardcastle official music video. And the documentary Vietnam Requiem which inspired the song 19. Please watch Vietnam Requiem and 19 by Paul Hardcastle.

[@carlparlatore294]

Flew F-4s in Nam 68; 70; 72. Flew a lot of mission bombing trees - however - the best missions we flew was in support of the grunts on the ground - the only time we would really hang it out - the reason I got shot down - trying to support a SF camp in III Corps - then it was the grunts turn to help me get out of the situation I bail out to - talk about a band of brothers!

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

Served with the 173rd in 68, and I absolutely love the F4s as their support was immeasurable imo. Thanks for being there and glad you survived the shoot down

[@carlparlatore294]

@@arthurbrumagem3844 Welcome back Brother!

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

@@carlparlatore294 thanks 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍

[@martindavid1949]

...I remember seeing the Phantoms dropping napalm...sweet jesus...

[@martyc1533]

Thank You Sir for your service. I enlisted in the USMC in 74 and did not go to Vietnam. Much respect for you and those that did.

[@REDMAN298]

Semper Fi `71-`75 USMC last duty was at KMCAS Honolulu VMFA 235 F-4`s

[@MrAj485]

Welcome home, and thank you for your service.

[@hutslee2526]

Great story I as born in Laos 1974 then came to USA 1980 . One of my best story I can tell you people is that I thank god for the US military helping my country out and me being in different refugee camps sponsored by the US government was the best thing that’s happened to me as a kid .Respect to all veterans that served Laos and Thailand 🇱🇦🇹🇭☮️🇺🇸

[@juliochingaling5824]

Much love and respect to all who served . I remember watch the news in the 60s on the nam war. God bless every one and the medics.

[@henrykrugmann1694]

There are many Germans who are very proud of you veterans serving at that time..!! It’s very difficult to imagine,all that hard times you had going through and high prices you had to pay…and I feel very sorry about your loss and pain !! Thank you all 👍👍

[@billspindler4937]

Thank you ! Such an honorable man !

[@thebeequeeper5424]

As a fellow combat veteran of Vietnam, his attitude toward the war and Canada is exactly how l feel! War is insane!

[@thompsonfamilygaming0039]

Welcome home! Thank you for your service!

[@thompsonfamilygaming0039]

Welcome home and thank you for your service!

[@Roscoe.P.Coldchain]

I was Born in 1971 so wasn’t aware of the war in Vietnam but I as I got older I have studied it and try to watch everything I can on the war..I spent time in Thailand and Philippines in the 90s so I now understand what they are talking about with the climate..Can’t imagine fighting a war in such a humid climate..Respect from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@namvet1968]

Drafted '67. 14 months in Vietnam. Hot as hell. Always thirsty. Constantly invades my thoughts.

[@thesaltysergeant4103]

Documentation of these heroes experiences is so important. I appreciate The Vietnam Experience for doing this.!!! Thank you. I am a Canadian, but have Canadian Friends who served in Vietnam with the Marines. Their stories were crazy. I had the chance to visit Cambodia in the 90s and saw the devastation of that war. These are truly heroes for that cause. S!

[@Johnh1953]

Mr. Yaeger, you have major respect from me. The draft stopped the year I turned 19. I later became a therapist and met many soldiers and nurses of that era. God bless you.

[@garyteague9555]

Same here when I came to age the draft stopped

[@katfishkobain8809]

Watching the nightly casualties count on tv with Walter Cronkite, was too much for my Mom, who was a surgical nurse in France during WWII. My brother was special forces green beret and I watched her sobbing uncontrollably every night in front of the tv. He came home to a shell of woman and said that was the worst thing he had to deal with coming home.

[@richardf.3154]

Much of this footage was included in the 1983 HBO Movie "Dear America, Letters Home from Vietnam". An excellent examination of the human toll of the Vietnam War.

[@tystick4639]

I had that on VHS

[@gregb.8280]

To any and all vets!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service and sacrifices!! I know you have dealt with hell face to face ! And you habe kept war from my front door ! And im enternally grateful for that! Thank you so so much !!! I love you !!

[@dallasbeus2117]

Welcome home! Thank you for your sacrifice and service...💯💖

[@ScottGarland-r4v]

‼️‼️‼️ These soldiers were the same kind of guality , humble , and selfless individuals. I was also in the United States Army , stationed in what was at the time West Germany. We were in the middle of the cold war with the USSR. I was in West Germany from December of 1977 to September of 1980 in a Military Police Battalion. My Company was the 194th MP Company out of Schwaebisch Gmuend , and the 556th MP Company out of Siegelsbach. Missed Vietnam by about 2 or 3 years , yet recall watching year after year of combat on network television every single night. These Patriots all deserve medals as far as I'm concerned. They literally went through hell. Not going to go into the horrid details , just remember I wouldn't wish Vietnam on my worst enemy. God Bless all our troops , from all conflicts , both living and deceased. You guys are all # 1. 💯👎‼️✝️🇺🇸🇩🇪.

[@waynelenard3940]

There are NO WORDS...THESE ARE AMERICANS...BEST...OF..THE....BEST...

[@327airborne]

I was there when this was filmed , I was in alpha company 4th platoon 2nd squad.2/502 101st airborne ,my platoon leader was Lt Peake. Some of this film was used in the HBO Documentary "Dear America letters Home from Vietnam". Its a Hard Rain BY Bob Dillon. you can see me in this film.

[@Pulsonar]

What an amazing and honourable gentleman. That was an amazing recollection of his Vietnam tour. He was so diligent with the facts and details and wonderfully articulate in delivery. Like most front line combat troops in Vietnam the horrors he saw and went through are not spoken, they manifest in PTSD symptoms. The fact that his mind had repressed awful memories up until the early 80s (British Falklands War trigger) showed how mentally tough and determined he was to live his best life when he returned home. He was fortunate to get the right support to enable his transition back into society. Not many Vietnam vets got that and were often vilified the moment they returned home and never truly ‘returned’ as a whole person. The gentleman’s stature, and character reminds me of actor Michael J Fox who’s now bravely fighting his own battles.

[@KimSprankle]

Thank you for your service to our country!

[@GH-cp9wc]

Welcome home and thankyou for your service!

[@larryreddecliff2284]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the story, your service and god bless to your and your family. I live near Red Deer, Alberta and I really appreciate the US military veterans being able to tell their story, and again, thank you for your service. Larry

[@elguapo1507]

What a really nice bloke! You know you're in safe hands when you see fellas like this! Respect!

[@ponzo1967]

I was born in 67, I'm wondering if I'll ever live a year without war. These soldiers were basically children, there has got to be another way 🙏

[@richardhowe5583]

Thank you sir what you did for me and my family 🙏.. I never did agree with the war but I always supported my military.. I wish you well sirb and thank you again..

[@donny5063]

God bless you sir and all those who served,God bless each and everyone 🙏✌️☝️❤

[@josepharcuri8693]

Thank you men..... American warriors, and heros. This was 1967 I was born on Veteran's day 1968. Thank you again for your service and sacrifices.💪🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@HUNTEDGHOSTPRODUCTIONS]

my father went to Vietnam , he dont talk much about it. His platoon split up and half went to Germany and the other half stayed , he was a part of the half that went to Germany. He will talk about his service in Germany a little , but not much comes out about his service in Nam.

[@DavidHamros]

WELCOME HOME SIR, THANKS FOR SHARING. I saw most of this footage in a Documentary, one of the best I've ever seen. DEAR AMERICA, letters home from Vietnam. Nice to have a name to a face.

[@ronaldbutler4480]

God Bless you man! Thanks for your service!!

[@billgrant5515]

Outstanding perspective on a war that I grew up watching on TV and thinking " We will always be at war, won't we?" ( an eight year old's perspective). Thank you Gary, for your service, your view on your former combat opponents is refreshing.

[@markandaimeelou]

Honest, intelligent man

[@marcclement7396]

God bless them all. Northern New Hampshire loves all our veterans.