Vietnam Voices: 'This is nothing like any of those creepy Hollywood war movies.'

Vietnam War veteran Will Crain talks about his experiences. Crain served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969. He got his draft notice just shortly before he got married. He received a Purple Heart as part of his service.

[@intrepidtomato]

I'm addicted to these interviews now. What a range of experiences. I like this guy, very unlike some of the other interviews but he is so sharp and a bit cynical about the whole thing. Thank you for preserving all of their voices. Glad they came back to tell the tale.

[@ShaneMcBryde]

I've listened to many of these stories from those who served. Every one of them are compelling, edge of your seat type stuff. Almost any given one of the experiences these men had could be a major Hollywood movie. I very grateful for the effort made to preserve these stories. Thank you.

[@meyerwiseman1717]

1q

[@egger46]

I agree. These are great! They give me a little insight into my dad's experience in his two tours that he rarely spoke of.

[@susanbengston3208]

Forget Hollywood. Some of these documentaries are incredibly fascinating and humbling. The chopper pilots , of all , are awe inspiring, deeply committed to serving and saving their fellow troops and phenomenally skilled, fearless, and no bs.

[@daviddessecker1496]

I was a former Marine and combat Vietnam Vet with HMM-163 helicopter squadron 66-67. I would agree with most of his comments, except for the one about Jane Fonda. She was given secret notes from POW's in Honoi and then turned them over to the guards, who beat them again without mercy. She is still a traitor to me and most of my fellow Vets.

[@JeepWrangler1957]

Ditto brother. HMA-163

[@jeremyjames2643]

Ah hanoi jane the biggest piece of shit to come out of America and this is coming from a children of an escaped southern Vietnamese mom

[@keeper9853]

@David Dessecker...Thank you for serving our country. Agree 100 % with your comments. I am one of many grateful Americans that say Thank you.

[@Tigerbythetoe]

My Dad and my Father in Law both hate Jane Fonda’s guts to this day. What she did was inexcusable. Our guys turned to her for the simplest of requests. Tell our people that we are still alive. She betrayed them in a heartless display of her hatred for US servicemen. What she did was inhuman, regardless of her political opinions. Those were prisoners of war ffs.

[@twt000]

The long-standing claim that Jane Fonda turned smuggled messages from U.S. POWs over to their North Vietnamese captors is FALSE. Maybe research your claims. Read the Snopes article. Jane Fonda opposed bombing non-military targets along with most Americans.

[@candyapu3]

This man is the definition of “alright fine, I’ll do it, but I won’t like it”

[@drzaius844]

But he did it.

[@ChiTownGuerrilla]

Shut up.

[@lottolinks6394]

@@drzaius844 I honestly try to think what I would do.

[@somacoma2219]

He was drafted. His options were: do it or else.

[@bbblackwell]

​@@somacoma2219For sure, but do it or else *what?* Was it worse than what he did?

[@BoggWeasel]

He didn't ask to go but he went, he's honest about what he did and didn't like and with his observations. As I watch this series, I see everybody's experience and how they saw the war was different. So many of these kids came back home damaged, unthanked, and the only attention they got was so negative they kept it inside for years. Calling out this man as a "libtard" and "nutcase" is not only wrong it's unforgivable. A man who took part in and fought in an awful war is sharing his experience with you, that takes guts, shame on the people posting negative comments

[@ilovenyiloveny1140]

I don’t think the only attention was negative, the country was split about the war. I would have liked to see an epilogue on how these veterans lead successful lives after their Vietnam experience (which appear to be the case).

[@anon2427]

@sneksnekitsasnek you’re just cringe and you threw the last chance we had away

[@0bob0cya]

General Trump saved America.

[@BoggWeasel]

@@0bob0cya From what ? Reason and decencency ?

[@0bob0cya]

@@BoggWeasel he was a hero in Vietnam just didn’t tell everyone about it. Served with distinction. Ask Rush Limbaugh. He will tell you about it.

[@tomockey3825]

I’m not going to step into any debate on this vet’s perspective, because I also served from August, 1962 to February, 1970. East Berlin’s predicament was our focus as right out of high school that was the world’s focus and nuclear war. But I got sent from Oregon after 6 1/2 years to Panama because they had drained the west coast of men and equipment for some place called Vietnam. Our mission was protecting the west coast from nuclear attack. What the heck was Vietnam? So for the next three years I was in the place where all things now needed to function in a jungle environment were tested and hopefully improved. But, we found out all the lies going on by those who got us into a war, but then micromanaged it to death, or 58,000 + deaths just on our side. That’s the real cost of war. So I terminated the chance of a decent career, I was an Air Force aircraft radio tech, and got out. I ended up in the S.F Bay Area where as a young husband with a wife and two kids, I buried my status as a vet for safety’s sake. Too bad it had to be that way. But nothing ever changes when selfish people on both sides of especially a politically charged issue go nuts, and they did. Because of all the drugs and that nutty culture I got my family out of there after three years and moved to the San Joaquin valley where I had grown up and went in the military in the first place. I began a new career in construction and in that process became acquainted with the Hmong and Laotian people who lost their country because of our government’s betrayal of them. Sound familiar? So, some twenty or so years ago I wrote this poem as I was trying to come to grips as to how to relate to these people who in just one generation would be new citizens of our nation. I did OK, but I have never been able to completely square with all the absolute treason of our leaders during that time, both civilian and military. And of course, us government issue pieces of property continue to take it in the shorts. Remembering I viewed all the scenes that flashed on the screen, I knew it all happened But what did it mean? Sitting in silence And watching them die, I left that dark place, And started to cry. With guilt running deep And pain stinging strong, How could our great nation Have gone so damn wrong. They sent in our young, To act out their will, To step into hell, And learn how to kill. Then those who returned, And needed a hand, Saw only the backs, Of a now callous land. And what about those Whose land that was lost? Our promises broken What a terrible cost. Do we offer our help, Do we even try? I feel such a shame, When we meet eye to eye. We’ve buried our guilt, And covered our sin, And swear by our God, That next time we’ll win. So now there’s more people That are turning out red, They’re not just like us, So they’re better off dead. The rhetoric has Such a sickening ring, From history of battles, They learned not a thing. For they’re asking us now, To do it again, To spend still more money, And send in our men. It’s madness all over And when will it end? Maybe when we’re all gone, And there’s no one to send. Tom Ockey

[@technollusion]

Great poem. Should be published somewhere to be remembered and for all to read.

[@JH-hg1ok]

You shouldn't feel guilty you weren't giving the commands you didn't have the power to stop it you were just a citizen

[@3tvet]

I love Vietnam vets. I don't care about politics or the Government. I love the men who went and fought men who were fighting us. The last time I checked North Vietnam was invading South Vietnam. Almost all the fighting was in South Vietnam by an invading force. That's an honorable Fight to wage for all the men who were there. If the North stayed in the North then there wouldn't have been much fighting. The people at home in Vietnam quit that war, not our troops. I was engaged with Chinese 107mm rockets, ammo and Aks in Afghaniatan and we never got to fight the Chinese. And now the Chinese are minining in Afghanistan and making trillions doing it. Google it. But nooones seeing Biden pulling out for China to mine there as an issue or the reason. But it is a fact

[@VictoriaPalapala]

were you n vietnam conflict ?

[@sirflamedrop6165]

Beautiful

[@pj61114]

This interview is very much appreciated .

[@martinreynolds6027]

What an interesting story. An honest view, which was probably shared by many of his peers, but not voiced by them. War is terrible. And we as a world never seem to learn from. That's why it's important to have all these testimonials which this channel have recorded. Thank you for that.

[@victorglaviano]

thank Cain that son of a bitch

[@pauledwards434]

Well said mr Jon

[@Sunnybrook-om4qf]

This guy is an arrogant jerk. He doesn't believe in God because he can't fathom any being smarter than what he considers himself. He also has a story in the local paper, in which he was charged for inhumane treatment of a cat. He tortured, beat, & killed his neighbor's cat. I'm not interested in his opinion of ANYTHING! BTW, upon his death, he's in for a big shock!

[@jurgenschwarzgruber1]

@@Sunnybrook-om4qf tell us how really fell

[@pjevans1830]

That's because the people that decide we are going to war don't have to go and they're families dont have to go. If they did, there would never be another war.

[@ElChris816]

This is a truly honest perspective on this man's experience as a soldier in Vietnam. I truly honor this man stating he didn't agree with the war, didn't agree with killing, but he went and did his duty. I mean, that's all you can really ask for in a drafted soldier.

[@usgamechamp1091]

You can never judge a book by it's cover. The first video I watched I wasn't sure if they were gonna be interesting. I haven't watched one of these that wasn't in fact very interesting. What a great page, TY

[@charlesbukowski9836]

I was in the Marines and agree with everything he said about war and who makes it... and both Republicans and Democrats are in on it.. BTW I am not a Lefty...

[@erikak6413]

Lefty here - agreed.

[@joesmith3501]

There are so many things that we can agree on but we’ve been programmed to not agree on anything. No conservative can agree with Biden and no lefty can agree with anything Trump agreed with. I’ve never seen anything like it and don’t see anyway out of it

[@TROll-oe9ng]

@@joesmith3501 parallel society. Only way to get out from under the thumb of these immoral despots that call themselves politicians.

[@johnedward3404]

**I am a lefty,,, and I agree that the Vietnam war,,, was a massive crime against humanity!!! And we had no business being there!!!**

[@technollusion]

@@joesmith3501 What exactly was there to agree with trump and his ilk? Other than make America great again? Well no shit thats what alot of people if not most on both sides want, but that jackass was just about himself and his cult of personality. No way in hell hes the "patriot" he makes himself out to be. Biden is another fool but at least he doesn't have delusions of granduer.

[@themischristoforou5880]

A real pleasure. Listening to this man being interviewed. He has shown great respect for the deceased & the suffering for both sides! I admire his knowledge and honesty Against his government For wars that should never have happened!( to Put it Mioldly )!!

[@willmoore8708]

I've watched Will Crain before and it's always the fastest two hours I sit through. He's a no bs kind of guy.

[@babyyoda1758]

These videos are important for the future, I really hope they are preserved, its first hand history, this mans recall is amazing, I think its because hes a trained artist this was a great interview, thank you both.

[@SilverWealth_Draper_Mint]

Let the people who start the wars, fight those wars….

[@shawnaweesner3759]

That’s the problem, they never do!

[@johnedward3404]

**GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO HAS HAD THE COURAGE,,, TO STAND UP AGAINST THE WAR MACHINE!!!!! THAT TAKES COURAGE!!!!**

[@damiandunbar6702]

Awesome interview, thanks.

[@deejay4922]

Let this man speak. One more reason why America is the best country in the world.

[@richardmorrisette8316]

Refreshing to hear this perspective.

[@mattyoungblood5720]

Best interview yet. This dude has his head on straight.

[@jakekostinec4634]

Everyone's mad at him but I'm just glad he was honest, I dont want any watered down bs, i want to hear what they really think and this guys got VERY controversial views but at least it's real and I respect him for telling his truth

[@cyclone8974]

Weird how he is the only one telling the "truth"

[@linusp9316]

I don't think everyone's mad at him. His story is the same as countless other veterans' stories, and it checks out if you read the history. Some people are angry because they would prefer a comfortable lie to the truth of it, especially if the truth is that we lost so many good men senselessly. If your husband or father was killed in Vietnam, I can understand why you'd want to imagine the struggle as heroic, even if reality doesn't support that. RIP to those who died.

[@richardpowell7530]

@@linusp9316 55

[@firepwr21]

Urban legend.....?? I heard stories of soldiers being spit on, i’m sure it’s true, so many stories about it, just because he didn’t have to deal with it he calls it an urban legend.....And it most likely happened in Kalifornia..... thank you for your service....!!

[@gregfuller2387]

He's 100% true. Let's end this corrupt criminal cabal!!!

[@Esoxhunt]

Very interesting interview

[@damotherFNman]

As a veteran, I wholeheartedly agree with him. It's all BS and defending corporate interests

[@marcconner8382]

Which corporations?

[@steveparker5406]

@@marcconner8382 Colt Firearms for one, made gazillions on shit m-16 weapons that jammed and killed a lot of guys. Robert McNamara (Ford corporate) admitted that the government made a mistake in Vietnam but hadcto save face. 58,300 US dead.

[@marcconner8382]

@@steveparker5406 so who should mfg the weapons ? Govt ? The cause of our involvement was righteous, but when you allow politicans dictate the war it becomes a political war which involves govt contracts.. there in lies the problem. I have no problem with the corporations making money but it all gets turned around politicans return favors. So what do we do? End the war. Vietnam could have been over in 1 to 2 years if we would have been allowed to destroy strategic targets in n vietnam. The supply of soldiers and supplies could have been cut off. The nva and vc recieved support from china. Politicans were afraid to upset china. When we decide to unleash the might of our military we can solve disputes quickly and that saves american lives.

[@neemtreebark]

@@marcconner8382 Put a gun on the table. Does it harm anyone? - Wayne LaPierre, President of NRA until Trump sabatoged him

[@marcconner8382]

@@neemtreebark excuse my ignorance but i dont understand the relationship in what you stated to the vietnam war.

[@crochetfun7202]

Vietnam was a terrible waste of young VET LIVES AND now we have lost to many in the MIDDLE EAST, AND THE AMOINT OF MONEY THAT WE HAVE SPENT, While our infrastructure. Is completely FALLING APART, and the VOTERS have no say what our GOVERNMENT DOES.

[@waltermajeske8799]

It’s easy to be a Monday morning quarterback! Voters have the right to vote for representatives that vote for them. It’s what we call a republic! We do not live in a democracy, which is mob rule. Our country has done a terrible job of being a republic because our expanding government bait-and-switched license (law) for Catholic Natural Rights of lie, liberty, and property. I would hate to live in a country where moron voters (most of them) determined if we went to war or not! If you are interested why America has turned out to be a moral sewer and a plethora of self-interested groups at each other’s throats, read CATHOLIC REPUBLIC, by Tim Gordon (second edition).

[@patm6704]

To justify trillions of taxpayer dollars to the War Industry, requires endless wars, endless enemies, endless scaremongering. Business as usual in the corporate-controlled US oligarchy fraudulently disguised as 'democracy'. War is good! Peace is bad! www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/apr/21/americas-oligarchy-not-democracy-or-republic-unive/

[@shawnnixon2616]

I was in the Army, 3 combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. I gotta let everyone whos never been in before about Soldiers Deployment to War and mainly the newer recruits ill be talking about here. The first guy talked about "he met this girl' he fell in love or whatever and he got his draft letter. He said they had to "hurry up and get married" before he goes. Well, ive seen this EXACT situations all over the placd in the Army. Soldiers get married for one, they get a "free" house and more money on deployments if theyre married. Thats all good, but it NEVER works like that. The women around all the bases are looking for that type of Soldier who looks and acts like a damn virgin or acts desperate, like going to stripclubs almost every night and spending ALLL their money on them. Well, these girls are after thise types to marry and ger that "free" housing and the extra money for the spose to live on. 9 times out of 10, they will spend that extra money and some (all of it) smh and uses that house to take their bfs to while youre gone to War and writing her every chance you get and maybe get one or two replies. My one buddy, married a stripper before we went to Iraq. She was one of those women that took and spent all the money, detroyed his house with animal shit about two inches deep in the house.. We came home a year later, eveyone ready to spend that good Deployment pay thats been building up for a year. Well, my buddy was negative in his account when he came home..smh he was a Spec4, same as myself at the time, and i came back with like $32,000. So yeah, i havent heard what all this guy here has said yet, but im pretty sure he had a similar situation. Damn women...smh

[@uratrick]

Oh so true I was in not long after this guy and goes to show the more things change the more they stay the same.

[@NATALIEKING1976]

😂🤣 yeah, I stopped listening to your crap story when you said “ my buddy married a stripper”. And then goes on to be shocked about what happens after!!! Motard

[@shawnnixon2616]

@@NATALIEKING1976 my "crap story" ? Sounds to me like you READ it all. I dont know how you would "stop listening" to it, unless you had to have someone read it to you...smh. Wow. You must have been one of those strippers, huh?

[@NATALIEKING1976]

@@shawnnixon2616 it’s crap because it’s boring and lots of newbs fall for this nonsense. As far as my iq and your sad ass attempt to be funny about me hearing your story, some of us can multi task and have others reading comments whilst I cook. Puuhhllease. Also, as you have an iq that matches your shoe size, I used the word “motard”,, which is almost exclusively a military term. Yeah, I’m a former commanding officer and I wish I had $100 bill every time I heard one of these dumb ass soldiers come wimpering about how she took advantage of me and stole my stuff blah blah blah. Suck it up, pay your “dumb ass” tax and dont be so stupid next time. There are worse things to lose besides money. And how upset you seem to be over a total stranger stating the obvious leads me to believe that the story wasn’t your buddy, but you who married the stripper. We done now?

[@maryshaffer8474]

My Dad came back from WW II with enough money in bank to buy home start a business. He thought his wife gave all his money to her brother. He got another wife my Mom.

[@louisalfred3]

I find it odd these comments dumping on this guy because he is somewhat educated and had a clue about the geopolitical situation at that time questioning his mindset. he knew going there was BS. he went anyway. As opposed to some people who fanatically go wherever whenever. No different than Al Queda the SS etc. Fanatics. He still served but with a degree of "clarity" involved. its the same theme anti education anti arts etc. Khmer Rouge took the same stance towards the people it murdered Fanatics

[@ahappyimago]

Read like 30 comments none were negative

[@TheCreedBratton]

This guy is so cool. I love hearing these old stories. These are the people who gave us everything we have. Listen to what they have to say!

[@azynkron]

Did you even listen to what he said? What did the Vietnam war give you?

[@TheCreedBratton]

@@azynkron not nam itself, but his generation

[@williamburdon6993]

I am always amazed at how all these guys remember all the stuff they do . I remember all the people , none of the particulars.

[@rickanderson3190]

most of the stuff I remember I don't want to

[@tracylemme1375]

I was also in the Mekong Delta in 1968-69. I was lucky enough to be in the field on landing craft that supported a 105 mm artillery battalion. I have The upmost respect for any 11B that was humping the paddies. I may have been helping move troops to make his move. I knew quite a few ex11bravos that were in the 3rd of the 60th and 4th of the 47th. I am very glad that you made it back safely. I do remember on instants when some muddy 11 bs were allowed to come on my boat for lunch. They were talking o themselves about how good the d

[@Three_Sevens]

I remember hearing Sammy the Bull ,of all people , saying someone spit on him just for having his army clothes on during Vietnam. And he didn't even go to Vietnam. Some hippies were convinced that every soldier was killing kids. I'm not saying it happened every five minutes or even every day. But it happened.

[@rkow8508]

Love to know how that went.

[@asil0072]

Excellent! I learned so much from this vet. Very intelligent and RIGHT about it all.

[@withthecam]

Interesting to see him seem to so easily with his experiences considering he is one of the few on here that saw through the war-mongering propaganda and wasn't left wondering why and what it was all for in the end.

[@Jamestfarrell]

The U.S. government's killing of students at Kent State affected me the same way it affected him. I had been back from Vietnam for just over three years by the Spring of 1970. I then also got active in the anti-war movement. April 24, 1971 I was in the midst of 500,000 marching out of the financial district of San Francisco chanting "One, two, three, four-we don't want your fxxxing war!" There were over 800,000 on the same day in Washington DC. When you realize that you have been lied to by terrorists in government in order to get you to engage in a terrible slaughter-AND YOU ARE NOT ALONE-that's when you grow up and get busy. Kudos to Will.

[@sunofpeter2]

Glad you made it home, hope all is well. That lie must have felt like betrayal

[@liberationwasalie2982]

Always wonder what happened to those movements 🤔

[@pgroove163]

They should be chanting 1 2 3 4 I'm not taking any more vaccines no more !.. the same folks that lied about Nam are the same evil bastards lying to the public about vaccine mandates.. all connected.. thank you for your service. And may God grant you peace

[@willnill7946]

Those students sure felt big and bad though when they were attacking and destroying businesses in n the downtown the day before

[@ConanTheContrarian1]

I doubt that the numbers were as high as you report. When the USSR collapsed, proof was found that most of the anti-war organizations were funded by Soviet front organizations. Last, South Vietnam didn't want to be "reunited" with the North. The Nguyen (South)and Tranh (North)had fought 20 wars in 300 years before the French took over. Although there's no doubt of corruption in DC and Saigon, let's not make the mistake of assuming that Commies are any better.

[@thecos9999]

Saw this and thought he was wrong to say nobody ever spits on our returning soldiers. Even called them assholes. He needs to lose the chip on his shoulder. He doesn't know what he talking about. My wife and I had deplaned and we were walking behind some soldiers who had just come home from Vietnam who had their uniforms on and there were young people there calling them names and spitting at them. This was back in 1969. Why they felt the need to come all the way out to the airport is something I'll never understand. These guys did what their country asks them to do and God Bless Them. At least they came home alive and walking.

[@johnedward3404]

**HE'S RIGHT,,, ABOUT THIS VIETNAM WAR,,, IT WAS A SENSELESS WASTE OF HUMAN LIFE!!!!!**

[@thecos9999]

@@johnedward3404 Everything since Korea. Even today. Now we have a President who gets our people killed when it was unnecessary. All because he wanted to give a victory speech. Even the generals can't make an honest decision. How sick is that? War is no joke and it's our young people who have to pay the price.

[@JerryEricsson]

I came home in 1971, had to wear the uniform in order to get on the Army sponsored plane, and to leave Oakland to get to Mn so I could catch a flight to Rapid City South Dakota. We had to process out and there was a sidewalk running down the side of the buildings to get to the mess hall for our STEAK dinner from the Army, the steak was good but there were long haired stinking hippies on the other side of that fence throwing beer and pop cans full of piss and rocks at us as we walked, the did scream baby killer and such as well. Once we left the Republic of California and landed in Minnesota, things changed. It was winter, I was wearing short sleeved kakis, the only dress uniform I had at the time. Some older fellow was there and had on his field jacket from his time in Korea. He took that off and gave it to me to keep warm for my trip. Now that was a boost for my sagging moral. I can recall him saying "Different war, same Army, welcome home soldier!"

[@thecos9999]

@@johnedward3404 It was a waste of life for a lot of young people, but they didn't deserve to be treated like that when they came home. All they wanted to do was survive the war. They did what they were sent to do and did it as best as they could. Nobody has a right to disrespect a soldier doing his duty for his country. Most of those people waiting at the airports are nothing but cowards.

[@susanbengston3208]

The guy being interviewed is a fake.

[@lemuelyoungblood5756]

Thank you for your service

[@azynkron]

You guys should get this gentleman for President. One of the most rational and sane Americans I've listened to.

[@sheilalarkin1291]

I was married to 2 Vietnam combat vets whom I highly respect. This man disgraces those who honorably served. The 60’s were a terrible time for all of us and we’re still hurting. I have watched most of the Billing Gazette series along with many other historical accounts and am proud to announce that I support our Vietnam Vets.

[@williampierce4513]

Yeah, this guy is lying about alot of things lmaooo

[@michaels33]

I think he made it up. He’s a con artist who saw a lot of movies. And notice how he doesn’t mention any of his specific buddies, commanders etc? Notice how his wife is off on some island off of Alaska? And he talked amli how Tet started Jan 1 or 2? Tet started Jan 31. He’s a stolen valor scammer.

[@VictoriaPalapala]

he is real he telling the truth the female who didnt serve married 2 vietnam vets and failed them both she does not love unconditionally she probably likes playing the 'victim' she didnt give her life why she say anything ? aloha

[@slyflyby]

Welcome back home Will.

[@pavelusa3423]

Thanx my man your life was not in vain..i read some where the Rockefeller guy was involved in selling weapons to the north Vietnamese .. I appreciate this buddy. I was born in Canada a place where we did not have to go to any war..

[@ear4funk814]

When I first saw this series I was a little wary that the "sample space" was too narrow (i.e. Montana residents only) and that I'd get the same perspective, where if I heard one I'd heard them all. To my pleasant surprise ... each interview has been an interesting perspective ... I've enjoyed each person's rendition of their experience ... if only we'd learn from it.

[@damiandunbar6702]

I fully agree.

[@alromaniello1478]

👊🏼👍🏼

[@samuelbasye3508]

People need to stop joining the military

[@blumpkinspicelatte4580]

No way this guy was making $20 an hour back in the mid 60's as a non-professional. I call BS. And I guess that the old adage of "There's no athiests in foxholes" doesn't apply to this guy.

[@uncletony6210]

Yeah, how can we believe anything else he says after that?

[@spudnikca]

1:07:10 "We had no business there...from day one....The book 'War Is A Racket'. IT IS."

[@sue-z1o]

You are amazing. Thank you for speaking out.

[@flynnlivescmd]

Only at 30:00 and this is already one of my favorites. Interviewer is patient like most times, stories are deep and scary, the vet is a good story teller with his memory very much intact. I appreciate these stories and experiences so much, even though some of these lessons wont unfold for me until later in my.

[@Bob-fz7pd]

At 5 min I gave up hoping this whiner would stop complaining and say something interesting.

[@petarticinovic2710]

@@Bob-fz7pd That's what I thought but I stuck with it see what other self-serving bullshit he would spew.

[@topfeedcoco]

@2:13 Brilliant!! I know I'm going to love this guys stories. God bless him, or nothing bless him to be fair. Much love sir, carry on.

[@maxrockatansky1271]

Another great interview. Thanks for his service and thanks to the gazette for honoring these men for future generations.

[@robertgiles9124]

It's amazing that WW2 and Korean war happened yet no one thinks to provide any protection for the ears of the Mortar men. Was it the same for heavy artillery? Geez who needs their hearing after serving? I just missed the draft because the War was winding down and my Lottery number was not called. But I did have to go get my Physical. My Father went when I was 15 and came back saying nothing about the war but he was an Officer and not in combat. I asked him later what the hell I was doing in High School with no prep for a War that I was very likely to get called up for. Nothing! No wonder we lost that war. Young men sent in with so little training to fight in Jungles. Vets treated so badly. One hand tied behind our back.

[@ndsmudlogger4061]

He was making $20/hr in 1967?!? That’s equivalent to $300,000 per year adjusted for inflation in 2020!

[@johnfrey5564]

NDS Mudlogger ya I made $90 bucks a week .in 67 . Nobody made that .

[@scottyh1509]

He probably adjusted it for inflation so the listener would know what it meant. $4.00 per hour in 1967 sounds like a joke today but then it was decent money. That's what he meant, pretty simple to figure out.

[@adammoravek1785]

You people criticizing this man are something special: “Support our troops... unless their opinions differ from my own” 🙄

[@johnnybates7580]

It's not impossible to protest wars and support the troops at the same time.

[@yy7931]

@Common Sense Realist you literally said come "listen to us"and proceed to tell us to take stories with a grain of salt, the man gave a 2 hour talks and your calling it bullshit and inviting us to your convos, which I will defiantly check out btw

[@yy7931]

@Common Sense Realist tbh this is the first Vietnam story I've seen from this channel. I've been watching a lot of war footage and thought maybe some stories from vets would be interesting like I said this is my first so, I'm not even going to debate what I don't know I'll just do my research

[@adambane1719]

@Common Sense Realist Francis Ford Coppolla directed Apocalypse Now.

[@TheGoldenCapstone]

So you just blindly support troops and believe no one should ever criticize them? What a genius!

[@gaoxiaen1]

Wow! Great interview!

[@sylviabotez6404]

Uncle Sam gave me free cigarettes at the age of 17.Now uncle Sam is telling me how wrong it is to smoke.

[@andrewdomenitzdmd]

"War Is A Racket", by Smedley Butler". Good read. Get it on Amazon.

[@Heisthelightoftheworld]

No banksters, corporation directors or polaticians would ever send their children off to their wars

[@Hohmies86]

They hammered the names Dan daily and Smedley Butler in to our heads at book camp hard

[@djmech3871]

Amazon is a Racket.

[@bidensucsbigdickskalmadrin6877]

this guy should have committed ss long ago or go to the next democratic convention and let loose the beast with in ,take as many dem devils as humanly possible and turn the gun o another the last devil standing

[@linusp9316]

@Paul Revere If you're learning history from Henry Ford, you are on a delusional path. He wasn't a historian, and bought into debunked anti-semitic propaganda put out by Russian intelligence and Nazi Germany. He had issues.

[@kennylavay8492]

Funny thing is you always here about all the atrocities the guys did to the viet nam or VC but you hardly hear of what the VC or Vietnamese did to the american guys. So all in all war is hell for both sides, but you have to trust in what the americans were doing if it might have been wrong or right . War is nothing but a lot of bad memories for most and the folks at home who had loved ones fighting for what the government thought was right.

[@bvscfanatic]

I was fortunate. I was called up by my draft board in 1971. I was taking a year off from college, thus temporarily sacrificing my student deferment. In those days, they DID ask, and I told. It got me out. I was 4F. But I want to add that had it been necessary, I would have gone to Canada to avoid the draft, as thousands did. The war was wrong, and we all knew it. I knew that, come hell or high water, I was NOT going.

[@markjamison9677]

For sure you voted for sleepy creepy Joe Biden .

[@JohnSmith-ei6sc]

Yeah lol it’s cowardice shrouded in “I thought it was wrong dude.” Lol these guys also all talk shit and say trump was a draft dodger when they literally went all the way to Canada to dodge the draft lmao

[@josephaulisio9281]

Coward.

[@DrewishAF]

Maybe I'm out of left field, but it sounds like he was drafted as part of McNamara's 100k where they continually lowered the qualifications for selective service contracts.

[@neilpuckett359]

McNamara's folly,there's a book about that.

[@VictoriaPalapala]

why be rude ?

[@PitViperX1977]

What these guys went through, from all different walks of life, creeds and colors. Can you imagine being in that jungle? Now can you imagine being a kid in that jungle fighting the Viet Cong?? I don’t care what you fellas did to survive and keep your sanity while there. You’re all Heroes in my book. Thank you for being Warriors even when you didn’t want to be but did your duty anyway. 🇺🇸

[@redtsunami326]

Question? Was it true that a father could send a pistol to an enlisted son in theater, during Vietnam?

[@JoeL-kn9tc]

He is one smart guy. Thank you Mr. Crain for your service. Thank you for your insight on the causes of war. You are a hero.

[@rockvocalist7007]

Hes an embarrassment to EVERY one thats ever stood a post.

[@kramkalisthenics]

Watched a lot of your wonderful vet series. This guy is one of my faves. Love to see some of his art. Thank you!

[@blueeyes6852]

Thank you for your service Sir! Thank you for adding to that long list of history! God bless you Sir! 💜

[@topfeedcoco]

Stop "Thanking us for our service" just because in the last 20 the system has told you to say that. It's embarrassing and an admission that you are easily brainwashed.

[@ThanksforcensoringmeYoutube]

@@topfeedcocoI know vets who got spit on when they got home who definitely appreciate being thanked rather than spit on. If you don’t have anything positive to say it’s better just not talk. Ain’t nobody brainwashed for being grateful for our veterans, bro.

[@topfeedcoco]

@@ThanksforcensoringmeKZbin You are utterly and hopelessly brainwashed, but I forgive you, it's not your fault your mind can't stand against this onslaught of weaponized constant psyops. Semper Fi

[@edclay28551]

I have to say he is honest with his feelings and words. I appreciate that.

[@linusp9316]

It's good to see. No BS. There are a lot of other good videos on here that tell the same tale. If you haven't seen it yet, Bill Ehrhart has great stories. Vietnam was a war without any traditional fixed "front lines" and a lot of propaganda involved - it's fascinating to read the history.

[@sidDkid87]

*Thank you to Darryl and Will for shining a light in the darkness that is the MIC*

[@lesholmes1158]

you are my new hero, top boy. Les Holmes ,Manchester, England .age 70.Fellow birder.!

[@billythekid9306]

I think everyone should stop bitching and just be grateful we didn’t have to endure the things this man did for us , thank you for your service sir 🎖🏅🇺🇸

[@linusp9316]

Exactly right. There's a reason that the old clichè "May you live in interesting times" is a curse. It's a miserable thing, not Hollywood theatrical glory.

[@tracylemme1375]

I was there in a much better position. Some off my brothers didn’t make it back ether. To tell the truth, I hated the Army. They treated my like shit. I do love my country.

[@benkern6739]

Good video!

[@olafvidar9315]

I like this guy. I don't agree with everything, like Chris Kyle & Jane Fonda, but I respect him and his views. Smedley Butler was correct, war is a racket. This guy speaks as only a seasoned individual can. Agree with him or not, he's deserving of respect.

[@Shiroyasha2397]

I love how he recounts his time, as raw and truthful as he can be; He and so many others like him were shunned when they came back even if they never wanted to go in the first place...

[@johnedward3404]

**if everybody had the balls to just say,,, no,, to STUPID WARS!!!! They couldn't lock all of us up,,,**

[@alexbaum2204]

@@johnedward3404 pretty controversial view. I’ll respect you’re right to have it. I think I’m 50/50 on it. I’m pretty sure a lot of people would take umbrage with it for pretty obvious reasons - especially men who joined the armed services of their own volition.

[@rickanderson3190]

@@johnedward3404 Yo John, you going to be the first one to step up and say no

[@topfeedcoco]

He specifically said he never saw anyone being spat in the face of called baby killers. Turn off the Hollywood CIA programing man, this guy understood it was all a banker larp. He named the nose with the USS Liberty, he gets it.

[@ckalnicki]

Amazing stories. These men were unbelievably brave.

[@samueldavis2327]

I find this guy to be a pain in the ass. I think he would fit right in with the young people of today. I had the exact opposite experience. I consider the two years that I spent on active duty in the United States Army the greatest thing I ever did in my life. My experience in the United States Army set me up for success in the rest of my life.

[@VictoriaPalapala]

dont judge him ... aloha

[@audtom52]

Dont agree with a lot of what he stands for and his views.....but hes earned my respect to be able to state these views.

[@whydat684]

Yes agreed 100

[@mattm8932]

You don’t like he doesn’t believe in a fictional god?

[@edclay28551]

I was stopped by the White Mice in Saigon. I was past curfew in one of those little tiny cabs trying to get back to my unit and got caught. He pointed his rifle in my face and scared hell out of me. Finally the cab driver found his voice and helped me out with little dollar exchange. I am luck I had secreted some US dollars or I am sure my head would have had a new whole. So the MP story kind of fits. I might have been a little judgmental on that one. Sorry.

[@rickanderson3190]

I don't think cab drivers bribe ARVN MP's

[@jubjub15]

@@rickanderson3190not anymore anyway

[@dwsnsgp]

Most intelligent people figured it out. It was hard to face the fact that that was why we were there.

[@jameshartsfield8585]

Awareness, awareness, awareness. I think we have read some of the same books,,,Anthony DeMello, perhaps? I am glad you had a high regard for the Boy Scouts. (I was an iggle myself. } Ever heard of the Dulles brothers? We are hated around the world because of them. REALLY like your interview. Outstanding! Thank you.

[@mindsigh4]

Dulles bros were of that upper crust who's families are connected & profit from sending those of the lower castes to fight wars to protect the upper crusts business ventures.

[@johnhaller2940]

I respect this man's service , but from the beginning of his life he has been a miserable malcontent. Never found a way to experience joy in his life . Disassociated from all family and friends, I feel sorry for him . I hope he finds peace .

[@markpaul8178]

You are walking point with that statement john.

[@FreddySpaghettiSoprano]

"never found a way to experience joy in his life" is my biggest fear in the world

[@markjamison9677]

It’s a boomers thing . That’s how we roll especially boomer veterans .

[@daviswall3319]

I don’t feel sorry for him at all. The man may be malcontent but that is who he is and nothing that any of us on KZbin says will change that. He’s an artist that was drafted into war. Being happy isn’t for everyone. It’s just a part of the human condition. I say God bless this atheist !!

[@johnhaller2940]

@steven sprung fair enough

[@1murder99]

Glad you made it home Will, hope you are well, thank god.

[@stekarknugen9258]

I get the feeling this guy really doesn't like the US state department.

[@speedracer2336]

When I got off that Braniff charted aircraft, the first thing that I noticed was the shit smell. On final approach we could see cannon and close air support doing their thing, so had already experienced that. That odor comes back to me sometimes after all these years!

[@vinecorereptiles1225]

Can we get some more interviews? Amazing idea and this is gold for all future gens

[@joek600]

Im watching with great interest this series of interviews. They are really great and really help understand the many aspects of Vietnam war from the perspective of the simple soldier. I should also add that the interviewer is really good in asking the right questions and making his guests feel comfortable despite the gruesome subject. Im not American or Vietnamese so I dont have a dog in this fight. I just try to understand the mentality that simple GIs had that time. I came to some conclusions. 1) Most young men were influenced by the fact that their fathers or older close relatives fought in WWII. If they were not inspired themselves, they were almost forced by the social norm formed by the previous generations. In paper many appear as volunteers but in reality many just joined in order to hasten the unavoidable draft, or in the hope that they will thus have some control over their positioning in the army by making a choice. 2) Some young men were convinced that the reasons the goverment gave them for entering in this war, were sound. They really believed that if Vietnam fell in the hands of communists that would start a domino effect that would tilt the Cold War balance in favour of the USSR. 3) There were 4 basic categories of recruits. A) the gung-ho ones B) the reluctant ones but with strong sense of duty C)the ones that just wanted to get over with this thing that paused their life D) the ones that didnt wanted to be there at all and would try anything to escape it. The A category the ''gung-ho'' splits in 2 subcategories A1) the sociopaths that wanted a licence to kill A2) the wild kids that usually get theirselves in trouble with law but now through the army had a chance to channel all their adrenaline and energy to a purpose. After the end of their tour, managing to get home alive but many not so well, many veterans state that they still believe that the Vietnam war should be fought. Even if history proved that even after the victory of the communist faction, no domino effect followed, the USSR didnt dominate the world and basically nothing of real importance really happened geopolitically. Even further the USSR died with a whimper not with a bang a couple decades after. Its hard for me to understand why these people STILL believe that they really had a reason and more so a duty to go and die or get maimed physically or emotionally, after the knowledge of these facts. I can only attribute it in two reasons. A) Some of them are politically simpletons, most times reffered as the useful idiots. That doesnt mean they are bad people. They just dont get it. B) Most of them know really well that this was a futile war, but they dont want to admit it even to themselves. Because then it will be as they are admiting that all this was for nothing. And probably that would destroy their mental stability. Having to endure all this pain, see what they saw, lose so many friends, end up handicaped, cancered by agent orange or at best with PTSD, for nothing. I guess its a self defence mechanism trying to make believe that the war was just and they should try harder. If you are not part of the social elite the more you understand about how the world works and what makes it tick, the harder your life becomes. Sometines people that dont think much are happier in their little box. I saw most of the interviews. Up till now this is the only one with rude comments towards the veteran speaking. I just dont get it. The man served, in a combat unit, saw battle many times, he was not a coward, he was not some kind of pencil pushing rat in some command office. He just didnt believe in that war. And just for that you call him names, while at the same time you call ''Heroes'' some guys that clearly are sociopaths and nobody in the right mind would want to be around them in a normal enviroment.

[@falconmoose1589]

A) Some of them are politically simpletons, most times reffered as the useful idiots. That doesnt mean they are bad people. They just dont get it. THIS!

[@markholbrook3949]

You use the old phase, "we don't have a dog in the fight". We Americans would do well remembering that phrase, the next time we feel the need to save the world from communism or saving some far away 3rd world country from aggression... I'm sick of my brothers and sisters dying in some far away corner of the world!

[@mariomantero5531]

Dear Joe, excellent comment ! I would just be a little less black /white minded. It's not exactly either A or B, eccetera....there is always complexity and being intelligent versus moron is an example,...we all' have a choice and i don't think those Who Simply went to Canada to Dodge the draft were genius.....

[@joek600]

@@mariomantero5531 Offcourse its never A or B. There are all the in between shades of grey, but its impossible to include them unless you want a youtube comment in the size of the Iliad lol. Sometimes we dont have much of a choice. I mean think of all these guys that went to the war without believing in it, just because they couldnt stand the remarks of their fathers and uncles that fought in the WWII. The social pressure on their shoulders by people who could not understand what was in stake, because they didnt have the information and the tools.

[@rayjohn9798]

As a veteran I never had a problem with people who went t to Canada. They made a choice. The system has and still has a basis. The people that you seem to take issue with. have no political agenda. You all seem to have onebe delighted with prospect of spending time in the draft. Acircumstantial victims of a society that is more than happy to send them. Than go themselves from view of this look at those who represent us. Few have done any time in the service. And I question anyone’s sanity to think you do this as an occasional thing. If people think that it ends when you leave the service I can affirm it’s something that you live with and it’s not at all pleasant

[@ami2evil]

...damn, this dude tells it like it is. Glad you made it back, man.

[@rik4369]

Major General Smedley D. Butler 2X Congressional Medal of Honor Recepiant. Wrote " War is an Racket" one of the Greatest books ever written.

[@terminatorx6230]

I read that book, in it he talks of how he was approached by a cabal of “ influential people” to lead a March of veterans on Washington D.C to depose Roosevelt and install himself as dictator.

[@vmaq2detx]

I’ve been steady watching these videos over the last few days. All have been great until this one... Maybe I’ll need to edit this comment after I finish this one but this guy’s story just jumps around too much for me... I get red flags watching him... it’s nearly unwatchable.

[@sehingfrancis542]

Cool glad to thing. The service will take anybody and make do In that regard it's not discriminatory. But if I had my druthers I would never put such a person in a combat zone. Unfortunately I have a guy like this in my life. and for a long time I couldn't believe that he had been to Nam but turns out he has been... And in fact was a Navy chaplain that was in the Navy as a chaplain as well as the air Force as well as the army as well as the Marines and the coast guard. And he's the most scattered human being I've ever known in my life. he has a grandiose attitude about his accomplishments that is just beyond reason. This guy is sort of like that kinda sorta. I'm just glad that special forces are more selective. Combat takes care of these ozoners sooner than later. Some actually snap awake. Others are like this.

[@linusp9316]

@@sehingfrancis542 Nothing in this man's testimony suggests that he was a bad soldier. Petty infractions, but he stayed sober at least, unlike a lot of soldiers in that war. No booze, no drugs. He's got a sane head on his shoulders and sticks to the facts, even if it doesn't agree with the propaganda of the day. None of the people interviewed in these videos do. Watch Bill Ehrhart's video. It's interesting that he says he didn't have any trouble readjusting to life after the war, and nothing like we'd call PTSD today... he's more stable and level-headed than a lot of people I can think of.

[@frontier_conflict]

Really enjoyed this honesty, don’t know why he’s getting so much shit in the comments 😂

[@bidensucsbigdickskalmadrin6877]

he had his eggs scrambled at birth like he said in the opening whoa

[@frontier_conflict]

@@bidensucsbigdickskalmadrin6877 alrighty 👍

[@rockvocalist7007]

Because hes a goddamned disgrace.

[@johnedward3404]

@@rockvocalist7007 **the real,,, disgrace,,, is the 1 million Vietnamese people who we killed,,, for nothing!!!!! That war was a waste of life and resources!!!(thank God,,, this soldier,, saw the insanity of the Vietnam war!!!! And has the balls to tell it like it is!!!))**

[@rockvocalist7007]

@@johnedward3404 Wrong.

[@josephwhite2177]

I'm addicted to these as well. Listen to a lot of them... This guy sure has a story... Lol

[@joefoley1480]

One hour into it Will tells how the stupid war was a money making scam . He references Smedley Butler "War is a Racket" the interviewer doesn't like that so much doesn"t dwell there .

[@philippberry4900]

Summer of 67. I probably played at his graduation ceremony at Fort Polk.

[@aaronanderson5272]

Good to Hear the truth. About war and the military, Thanks from a nam vet. Too...

[@frankhinkle5772]

A very interesting interview. I don't agree with many of his beliefs, but he earned his beliefs and I respect them. Despite his many Article 15s I think he was a good solider. OK, he lost me at jane Fonda.

[@mizzury54]

All he said was check out her statement of why she was there. He didn't say he approved of what she did while there. I don't approve of what she did there either but I agree with why she went.

[@josephvega3763]

Darryl probably went for a drink after this one

[@CuHead1]

Not just one!

[@33cattt49]

Yeah this guy is miserable

[@riant8369]

Sad, cynical and delusional

[@cooleyballs1]

@@riant8369 who are you man... Pathetic comment..

[@banditnip0345]

I like how he describes his fire fights. Showing how he was firing back from a position in the bunker.

[@stormcorrosion176]

Love you brother. Thank you for your service.

[@markmidwest7092]

4:28 This is kind of interesting in that he's an atheist but he "knew Jew politics" because he had a "pretty descent education at this Catholic High School"... What the hell?

[@corbytester9503]

Off topic completely but he said 67 and was making 20$ a hour even today that is good for most

[@bradmuehlenbein]

That’s $158.71 today according to google

[@gregbarnes1580]

There is no way on God’s green earth that he was making 40 large in 1967 working on an assy line. My father was 10 years out of college with a BSME working for GE Medical in San Francisco at that time and I don’t think he was making much more than 10g.

[@jeffkerr4249]

THANK YOU WILL !

[@MSculls19]

This guy is entitled to his opinions, and i think he has some things right, but i wouldnt want him in my squad. Most guys that didnt believe in the war would at least fight for the guys next to them, didnt hear this guy talk about even one friend or guy who's back he had.

[@bennythepenny9]

That was my impression as well. He really lost me at the end though with his comments

[@susanbengston3208]

This guy is full of bs.

[@danielholman7225]

I like this Will Crain. He’s not the most articulate vet but he’s a thinking man and sees the big picture. I like that about him. That’s too bad about the PTSD. He came home but the war is still with him.

[@Lostmissionary]

Great interview. Much respect.

[@jg0943]

Interesting perspective from a man with many layers. I could have listened to him for another 8 hours. His experience has clearly has a profound effect on his life after the war.

[@petarticinovic2710]

Many layers of ego and self-aggrandizement.

[@boatrvme8478]

Layers of bullcrap!!!

[@johnedward3404]

**THIS IS THE BEST INTERVIEW EVER.... WAR IS HELL... AND VIETNAM WAS A STUPID WAR!!!! THANK GOD THIS MAN HAS THE BALLS TO TELL THE TRUTH!!!!**

[@ypaulbrown]

of all the Vietnam Voices I have listened to, this Man is by far the best...thank you so much for this interview......from a 69 year old who was lucky enough to have gotten out of the draft.

[@williampierce4513]

This dude is lying about alot of things.. even other vets from that era pointing it out

[@neemtreebark]

Did Mr. Crain pass away? I hope not. I'm getting info like that but his art website is still up. We know we can't trust internet, which is basically a sophisticated communication SERVICE but they serve themselves as much as they can. I love his art.

[@davidrossley1136]

I'm glad I was too young for the war

[@thesociallyresponsibleanar2882]

This man skims over that he was heavily traumatised every day and night he was there. He saw it, he lived it, he studied it deeply, he has the courage to tell the truth. What reason would he have to do otherwise. He would fit into Australian culture seamlessly, fight like hell and hate war and anyone who creates one.