Unbelievable But True - A Vietnam War Story - See Description Below

My Friend Richard Smith shares a few stories of his service as a Green Beret and Air America cargo kicker in Vietnam and Laos.
PLEASE READ THIS FROM RICHARD SMITH BEFORE COMMENTING: In response to those few comments about my service in Special Forces and how I ended up in the 5th SFG. Let me
explain. First of all, to answer the question if I actually was in Special Forces, I wish to point
out that my DD-214, item 12 reads as follows: “HHC 6th SFGp (Abn) 1st SF USCONAR C”.
This item says that I was an actual member of the 6th SFG when I was
discharged in May 1964.
A few other comments say that Special Forces never recruits anyone, they
ordinarily volunteer. While this may be their normal procedure, it was
not in my case, let me explain the back story. On March 16, 1962, Flying
Tigers flight 739 was lost at sea and no wreckage or persons was ever
found. That plane was on a secret mission delivering the 5th SFG
headquarters company to Vietnam. I believe there were 79 SF personnel on
that flight. Consequently, a whole new company headquarters needed to be
formed up as soon as possible and transported to Vietnam.
In the late summer of 1962, I was a parachute rigger in the 82nd Airborne
Division at Fort Bragg, NC. Without any advance notice at all, my
company sergeant found me at my assigned workstation and informed me that
I was being transferred to the 5th SFG that day, and that I had to go
immediately and clean out my locker as a truck was already waiting to
pick me up. Because there was a rush to form up this new company, my
orientation and training was rushed. This took about three months, as I
recall, before I left for Vietnam. The whole operation was secret and as
a result of the loss of flight 739, which was probably sabotage, they
sent the new company on 10 different planes. I flew on a C-124 with
three other passengers. From the summer of 1962 until my discharge in
May of 1964 I was in the 5th and the 6th SFGs; almost two full years.
I hope this clears any confusion.
Richard Smith

[@phapong58]

Sir, thank you so much for your service over Laos. I found your KZbin story by accident and it is unbelievable. I am a Hmong descent and was born in a small village called Ban Na (Lima Site 15) NE of Long Tieng. My father went to Thailand in the early 60s to train how to send and receive morse code. He was stationed there. However, we eventually moved to Long Tieng due to the ongoing war. We lived there up until the war came to erupt end. We were part of the thousands of people who congregated at the airfield trying to catch a flight out. Unfortunately, there were too many people. I was 15-16 years old at the time. I remembered the air drops you mentioned from the Caribou in the Long Tieng valley. During the air drops period , we fled to other smaller villages few days hike west due to the impending fights you mentioned. I went to Thailand in mid 1975 on foot and by taxi cabs. I subsequently resettled in Canada in mid 1979. I reunited with my family in 1983 in the central valley in California. I joined the police force to contribute back to what America has given me, which to make lives of others better. I retired 6 years ago after a grueling 29 years career. America and unselfish veterans like you have given me a good life. I can not thank you enough for the jobs you and thousands of others who had sacrificed for all of us, freedom. Again, thank you Sir. Wishing you good health and may God continues to bless you. Pao,

[@janicesmith1344]

Hello Pao, Long Tieng Laos. I would like to talk to you about your life in Long Tieng now almost 50 years ago. It is a big part of my life and memories, however you lived there. What was that really like, did you know Vang Pao, you have his name? If you might want to get in contact, don't include your contact info here, I will arrange for that. Really Great to hear from you and thanks for your comments. Dick Smith "Unbelievable but true" God Bless

[@70stunes71]

Wonderful words. Those of us who are veterans, thank you greatly. Police personnel, fire fighters, nurses, doctors etc provide security and health, mercy and compassion during their lives of support as well, thank you ! We are a nation of immigrants. It's great to honor our heritage, but also be proud to be Americans. God be with you and family

[@phapong58]

@@70stunes71 Thank you Sir. For the love of unselfish veterans people like you. It breaks my heart nowadays to see where this great nation is heading. I have seen so much human carnages during the war and my career. Sometime I just remain quiet and watch the world goes by. Thank you again for your service and kind words. God blesses..

[@leeoneill]

Mick, I'm an Australian Vietnam Veteran and I believe everything you said because I have had similar unexplained incidences. One that stands out in my mind was when firing an M60 from the hip, it exploded on me but apart from tinnitus and loss of hearing left me untouched. The armorers could not believe it when they examined the M60 and nor could others. I could relate many other incidents that I walked away from too but suffice it to say I, like you have been protected. In fact, I wrote a poem about it called The Unseen Hand. God bless mate.

[@markuswalton4470]

You were meant to live I have never known of anybody having a 60 below apart and they lived through it. It's almost like a case of poor little powder out and put A little plastic in a chill and then putting it back in the weapon. I'm glad you survived there's a reason I was too young for that my Tom came in the eighties and that cannot be spoken just like you people laugh at me I'll let them What if they left Laugh at the guys that saved my life and didn't come back I would become extremely not happy be II would not know what to do I would hope someone like you were near me How does one ghost see another Thank you I am glad you are alive I don't know what the reason is but you were meant to do something really really great to help all peopaul thank you

[@Hugh-Glass]

I'm glad you both had charmed lives.

[@truthserum9456]

You gotta love this guy. He talks about death missions like he was going to the supermarket

[@dennyt7475]

I was 17 years old when I got to Vietnam-1966 through 1969 (My mom had to sign a waiver for me), You could not be drafted under the age of 18 but you could enlist with parents’ signature. I grew up fast and learned a lot, good and bad. (I am now 73 and still learning). I was stationed on the USS Providence and also stationed in Country at a place called "Monkey Mountain" close to DaNang,. I spent 3 tours of duty in and around Vietnam. 3 of my high school friends were killed in Vietnam, I was spared. I participated in the TET Offensive in Feb 1968, that was bad. Somewhere along the way I was exposed to Agent Orange (Nasty Stuff) I am now on disability for the effects of agent orange. When I was discharged and came home to the States we arrived in San Francisco, and there were a lot of protesters spitting on us and throwing rocks and eggs and called us baby killers. That was our welcome home. I tell you this to say to you, that whatever your position is or was on the Vietnam war, it was not the veteran who got us into the war, most of us went because we were patriots and loved our country. Blame the politicians, yes, but not the veteran. To all Vietnam Vets out there, you are not forgotten. As a previous combat Vet myself, I salute you my friend.*************

[@MrZeissOne]

Protesters' anger was misdirected. Those soldiers were lied to. As was the Ameri can public. But, you know what, those politicians have the same story that you do. They are lying, of course, but they feature themselves as great patriots.

[@oleflks]

Thanks, u got it right, lbj didn't help the grunts at al

[@hawaii50cowboy]

Thank you Denny for your giving spirit, sacrifice and love for your country. I did not enter the military even though I had a lottery number that was never called during the draft of 1969-70. At that time I was 17 just turning 18 fresh out of high school. However, I'd like to share a little something about my brother Alika (Hawaiian for Alex). He's my personal hero. Upon graduation from high school in 1969, he joined the US Marines and after boot camp, he was sent to Vietnam. Looking back, he served 4 tours of service in Vietnam. He participated in every kind of operation a Marine does in an active warzone including being a shot gun rider on helicopters. He was blessed without ever getting shot...or scratched. He came out after the war a Marine Staff Sargeant. To some degree, he did have small bouts of PTSD caused by the war. But today, he is fine, married and lives in Dallas Fort Worth Texas. By the way, immediately after the war, he attended the University of Hawaii and received his BA & Masters degree in Communications. He continued to serve his country as an officer in the marines with the Intel community alongside the US Navy at Camp Smith Hawaii. It fascinated me that he was able to travel to Tokyo Japan during his time off from the war to train in the art of Judo at the Kodukan. By the time the war was over, he had reached the rank of 3rd Dan black belt from the Kodukan. His giving spirit was never ending. Until the day he retired from the Marines, he trained kids, including my very own children, adults, Police officers and much more. Several years ago he finally retired from service as a Major in the Marine Corp. Thank you Denny and everyone who served their Country during time of need. You are appreciated and Loved! Aloha, Keoni.

[@bobgordon1754]

Bless you brother. I wanted to go to Vietnam for the same reasons but was to young. When I was old enough I went in a mechanized infantry unit during peace time. I did spend 36 years as a deputy sheriff, drug agent and city police officer but I never got to do the military things I wanted. God bless our vets.

[@StarkeyatRingo]

YOU ARE ONE OF THE FEW AWESOME PEOPLE I AM SO GLAD THE INTERNET ALLOWS ME TO KNOW! I hate that we were, and all - lied to as we are, detest what they've done to the people and our country, the world. The "monster" you gave your life to fight IS SITTING IN OUR GOVERNMENT PULLING ALL THE STRINGS.

[@woodennickel48]

Richard I was a medic in Vietnam in 68-69 as a medic. I was raised a SDA and was classified a 1A0 so I was trained as a medic. But when I went into the army I was a rebelling SDA kid that did not need God, but in spite of this as a medic with a infantry unit in the 1st Air Cav I survived that year even though I saw so much death, injury and was attached to a armor unit I was blown off a APC vehicle and med evac'ed to a hospital with now real injuries in spite the driver of the vehicle was killed the machine gun lost his legs I was just unconscious. I know what you mean by God taking care of you. That was just one of several experiences I had. By the way after the service I rejoined the SDA church and have never regretted it. God Bless Terry Curtis

[@mray4ua]

I have no doubt Richard was under the divine protection of our Heavenly Father. Thanks for sharing these remarkable miracles.

[@rickthompson4315]

Love these stories, these people... These Vets. Needs to be shown/shared at VA Hospitals. 29 Years, 21 USMC, 8 DOD & DOS. 11 Overseas tours. ONE Week, 3rd Floor. Maine Winter. Hope this video, Stops one Vet, from ending their life. Did Mine

[@ronsnow2015]

For all you guys that served over there, thank you for your bravery. God bless all of you and the ones that didn't make it back.

[@brucegibbins3792]

Do you think that God blessed the innocent people killed by the people you have just asked God to bless?

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

I'm planning to goto Ukraine to fight. If I lose my life at least I would of died doing something that is for other peoples benefit and for the betterment of mankind. I will have pride in overcoming my fears also. I don't want to die but if you haven't found something in life worth dying for then your life has been a waste.

[@jarethill5240]

@@brucegibbins3792 Richard, pay no mind to the "trolls".

[@nicholasyebra1988]

Amen 🙏

[@vincentbradshaw9980]

Absolutely huge respect. Yet too bad the story had to end with some religious cultism. Regardless of that, if I knew this guys story at the time if there, I woulda stuck to him like glue, cause fir sure I would come out lol...V

[@mikebarbieri3345]

The war stories were interesting and riveting. The end was even better. Thank you, sir, for your service and for sharing your stories with us.

[@jeffreyhoopes1312]

These stories are Hard Core. This guy has huge balls to live through his activities. God Bless you sir!

[@mitcheltownsend1492]

@David Wang let it go. People did what they had to do, just like you did. The war is long over, go get some help from the VA

[@sonyascott6114]

One of the most remarkable stories I have ever heard.Thank you for sharing GODS GRACE with us MR.Smith.

[@fratercontenduntocculta8161]

I love hearing old vets tell their stories! The first story I heard was that of my grandpa on my dad's side. He was a Staff Sergeant in the recently formed US Air Force and served in Korea as an AA Gunner. Bless you, Mr. Smith and thank you for your service!

[@donniecudmore9080]

Stories like this, in these days of pain and uncertainty are really touching , meaningful and inspirational . God has a purpose for us all.

[@mikemmikem2758]

Wow! What a great testimony. So from one vet to another; thank you, welcome home, and may God, in his infinite mercy, continue to bless you this day - and all your days. One of my greatest joys in life is to, when I see a vet, always walk up to him/her and thank them. Usually brings tears to my eyes.

[@kablammy7]

amen brother

[@obi-wankenobi8462]

This creep, volunteered to go to someone else’s country and kill, maim, and destroy their innocent lives. He is a monster, the world will be a MICH BETTER PLACE when people like him are GONE!

[@fokkerd3red618]

Absolutely amazing. I believe the Lord works in mysterious ways. Thank you so much for sharing these stories Richard.

[@Bass_Playa_Two_Point.O]

My dad was a C-130 navigator and was on a mission over Thailand of all places. He was away from his station helping the Loadmaster with something when a .51cal round went through his seat. I still have the 8-10" section of tubing sheared off by the round. Vietnam ended up getting him anyway, about 32 years later.

[@jimmyschrader4277]

There is a God

[@badguy1481]

I flew a C-47 in S.E. Asia. There were several "incidents" that, I too, cannot explain. But as Richard said: "I'm still here".

[@70stunes71]

As another veteran survivor, I agree. There's a higher purpose beyond what we think and sometimes past what we believe.

[@flea-kh7om]

Our Lord certainly saved you many times. I'm 71 yrs young and he his save me many times. I was with the 101st I should have been dead many many time. Thank you for the great stories and God Bless you. I too am a SDA. Take care, flea

[@thomastulupan1599]

I have watched a lot of these combat stories from our soldiers and this one is the very best, and I believe that there are many more miracles that are not talked about .thanks for sharing your story. Bless you All

[@BigDonKedick]

This one is good for sure. Have you watched the interview with Sammy L. Davis, Vietnam MOH recipient? If not I suggest you watch it until the end. The entire story is great but the end is just insane and got to me big time.... I had streams of tears running down my face for a good 5 minutes. I never had a "hero" growing up all the way until I watched his interview about a week ago; Sammy L. Davis is now my hero and if I'm 10% of what that man is I'll be happy. It's hard to explain and you may just see it as another interview. To me it was his personality combined with the insane events that earned him the MOH. If you watch it let me know what you think if you will. Thanks, stay blessed!

[@phillamoore157]

Ditto on the Sammy Davis interview, it’s outstanding. Also, check out the MACV-SOG interviews with John “Stryker” Myers’s…..they’re absolutely hair-raising.

[@jacktyler5186]

Greetings Richard. your war stories remind me of one of mine. Served US Navy '58-'62, flew many hours on WV-2 (RC-121) Lockheed radar equipped aircraft. Late 1962 was asked by the Crew chief- not my crew- to go from NAS Pax River, MD to Corpus Christi, TX flying as fill in radioman. For reasons unknown to me I refused the invite- on the return flight the aircraft crashed and burned-5 fatalities that day. I have always felt blessed because of my decision. Jack KB5TXS, 73

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

Incredible stories and such a brave guy. Glad he has found so much peace in his life. I wish Richard much more life and good health.

[@douglasmorrison9098]

Yeah if it was true which I doubt because My first cousin was actually in the green berets and one of the very first to land in Viet Nam and This guy made the statement that it was all volunteer and thats a lie because my first cousin went straight out of fort bragg north carolina where he actually took Green Beret traing right into Viet Nam. secondly my first cousin and several others that I personally know were in Viet Nam NEVER EVER SAT AROUND talking about the things that happened over there. THIRDLY my being in the Army when Viet Nam started and my knowledge of ANTICRAFT SHELLS I KNOW FULL WELL IF ONE CAME UP RIGHT BETWEEN HIS LEGS AS HE SAID AND EXPLODED HE WOULD NOT BE SITTING THERE TALKING ABOUT IT AND THAT AIRCRAFT WOULD NOT HAVE STAYED AIRBORN BECAUSE IT WOULSDVE BLOWN THAT AIRCRAFT HALF INTWO

[@rastapete100]

@@douglasmorrison9098 CAPS lock stuck?

[@jimmybelue9658]

@@douglasmorrison9098 It is physically impossible and Mr. Smith emphasized that over in over. But he came to realize here is no greater power than God and with Him anything is possible.

[@douglasmorrison9098]

@@jimmybelue9658 U are right about God But not about this blow hard He is nothing but a LIAR and was never in viet nam

[@AmericanPatriot-cw9xe]

Thank you for your service . soon as I heard the first 2 story's I knew God was protecting you, I'm excited when I got to the end to hear you got saved and to learn you also give Credit to God watching over you, welcome home and God Bless you

[@kablammy7]

amen brother

[@RandyCoffmanLSCC]

This is one of the best stories i have ever seen or heard. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@rjsimpkins2911]

You have your answer sir. My righteous grandfather said a similar prayer for me when I was a baby and I also have escaped the gaping jaws of death on many occasions.

[@glennbrymer4065]

These are great war stories man! You had one hell of a trip through the Army & CIA. It is always interesting to hear vets talking about how the military used them and how they got into thier final units etc. You brought it all to life for us to listen too. Thank you. Glad you made it home brother. God surely had your back. Very amazing.

[@geraldinefleischer8091]

My husband a non SDA member saw this video of yours and texted it to me. I have watched it to the end. As you told of all miracles safely through and wander why? I said , to myself an angel was protecting you!!! Thanks for your service to our country. I have been Adventist for 44 years now! God is so good isn’t He!!!

[@bluesboybellow3263]

God is great! Your so right!

[@calvinsnellings3985]

That was most incredible story I've ever heard, truly protected by God's angels

[@lutherlewis6792]

Thank you for your service. God had you in the palm of His hand.

[@ajdogcurr1]

Richard must have had guardian angels surounding him. God Bless you Richard you are a treasure.

[@georgemoomaw2244]

There is no other plausible explanation. It was indeed divine protection. Thanks for sharing your stories.

[@joeyv2008]

That was the best story I’ve ever heard in all my 58 years of being alive. God bless you and thank you for sharing this with all, P.S. you’ll see that doctor in heaven you sure will.😊

[@jamesytgaming]

This testimony has reaffirmed my belief in prayers and how powerful it is. I pray twice each day and I have many many occasions where I was literally saved from certain misfortunes. Thank you for your service, kind sir. I'm not from the USA. I'm from a small state in North East India who have been struggling for the past 7 decades for freedom. But I thank you because I'm a human being and your service benefited me in one way or the other ❤

[@stevecarpenter472]

May you once get your freedom my brother! And god bless you! Much love from America

[@jamesytgaming]

@@stevecarpenter472 Thank you so much brother. May God make my nation, Nagaland great like The United States of America. May God bless America and it's people to lead the world to permanant peace.

[@Pibatl299]

This is one of the finest interviews I have ever seen on KZbin. What a remarkable man, well spoken, thoughtful, and brave. I don't share his spirituality but I admit, when he comes to his revelation at the end, it got a bit"dusty in the room..". Thank you for sharing this with the world.

[@Insert-name-here00]

Thank you for sharing your story and for your service to the American and Vietnamese people.

[@richardvarner8542]

Thank you for your service. Yours was also a great generation, at least for some of you (Joan Baez and Jane Fonda excluded). My father did 2 tours in Viet Nam, and I am very proud of what he did. God bless you all; your service wasn't just honorable, but noble. I also experienced inexplicable events in the military, which I cannot explain to this day. It remains difficult for me to square the circle, so to speak. I believe I have perished several times, but it just wasn't my time to go.

[@Ivan-pl2it]

A good friend was in the 1/9, highest casualty rate in marine history, fought his guts out, only shot 3 times. His first cousins are Jane and Peter Fonda, the irony.

[@BobJones-dq9mx]

I was a recon pilot from Jan, till Sept. 1970 at a rural outpost with a grass strip in Laos. I was redeployed to Quang Tri and returned back home June 1971. Had many close calls including engine failure, but never was injured.

[@conniegnesda9720]

Thank you for your service Bob Jones and all who served and are still serving. God bless...

[@banditeastlick2471]

That sounds a little bit more than a close call. LOL I also know what it would take and the sacrifices that were made to make sure you did come home. Sometimes we don't even know the people who sacrifice for us and we will never know. We must always lead in battle so that we never fight a war at home.

[@anthonymessina2834]

My cousin was killed in Quang Tri in '67. 18 years old. R.I.P., Big Tony. Miss ya. Little Tony.

[@Yourdoomawaitsyou]

Yeah sure mate.

[@hml3672]

Phu Bai just SE of Quang Tri?

[@thehappywindowcleanermatth6100]

Utterly spellbound by your testimony. Thank you

[@HoxieDan5369]

A moving story. A heart felt story. Thank you.

[@mikezimmerman2786]

What a great story , as a believer I can relate to his experience.

[@ronaldwarren5220]

USARV Special Troops 68/69. I also believed that my parent's and grandparent's prayers steered my US Army career and kept me alive. May God bless you sir.

[@mrsstepbart]

So glad this was shared with me. It would be nice to see more of these kind of interviews/testimonies. God bless.

[@bradr2142]

You can sense a aurora around this guy. He's that spiritual. Thank you for your service welcome home. What spiritual man.

[@rabbitnature]

Amen my Brother Veteran!! You were Always Blessed!

[@Redcrossdwarf]

Thank you for this valuable piece of history. And thank you both for being two fabulous friends such that you recognised each other and produced this amazing and brave memoir.

[@paulsherman51]

Amen, brother. How can we give you 1,000 likes?

[@kennyshepherd8311]

Di An, Vietnam (1966-67) My father was with Combat Engineers told a story of their base was hit with harassing mortar rounds daily. One round hit the tent where the chapel was, concussion blew the chaplains aide out of the destroyed tent. The Bible and Cross was undisturbed on the alter! Chaplain’s aide suffered hearing loss but no other injury! Thank you Lord for our blessing!

[@kenrobison9528]

Remember everyone deployed. God bless you all. 🇺🇸 All the way. 173rd

[@martytruelove5026]

The BEST thing my friend is you are alive and well and telling people like myself your story.All the best from here on in,Peace.

[@romandoroszuk]

I also am an Australian VV and had a miraculous experience. It was at 10:30 am 28 January 1968, I was the forward scout, we were two days into an operation and were responding to a firefight nearby in heavy jungle. Our platoon was summoned to an area where there was some shooting and on arrival there was a sandy roadway and another group just shot 3 VC on the roadway and we were told to go and check out the sandy roadway. I said to the lieutenant that If I went anywhere near that track I was a dead man. They would be waiting......... he told me to go and do it. I went through the bush along side the track about 10 meters off the track and 70 steps in I heard this strange popping noise, like small crackers exploding over my head. AK47 bullets cracking the sound barrier over my head. I froze for a moment and then ..... something or some one (but there was no-one there) pushed me hard in my chest and I started to fall over backwards (out of my own control) and half way down I felt something hit the top of my head. I was on my back and there was a small tree in front of me that was being shredded as bullets were ripping through it and I started to roll sideways to evade the line of fire. Then, time went into slow motion. the gravel at the base of the tree was spraying through the air in slow motion and I was firing my SLR back in that direction lying on my back and bullets were all around me. The M60 gunner and others came forward and returned fire and some one looked at me and said, are you alright? I said yes, why? Look at your bush hat. it had a bullet through the outer edge, then through the hat band and brass vent and the a rip through to the crown plus there was a furrow of hair torn off my head by the bullet and brass vent. My body must have been at a 45 degree angle for that trajectory, and if I had not been pushed over I would have been killed. for sure. We all got up firing from the hip , ran across the track into the bush but found nothing. We walked the track for about 300 meters and on the way back went through the bush on the other side of the track and found where the shooting was coming from. no bodies, just an AK47 with bullet holes through the stock, some blood and guts and ho chi min sandals on the ground and figured that there were two or three of the enemy and the shooter was apparently killed and removed by his mates. I will never forget that incident. It was certainly miraculous intervention and I was not meant to die that day. that was 55 years ago but I will never forget it. Roman

[@garylanza2030]

This is truely an incrediable story. The power of the Lord. Im a seven day adventist as well. Very moving testimony at the end.

[@Roscoe.P.Coldchain]

Why not just say you follow God..? It just causes divide

[@ralphsanchico2452]

No doubt sir, that prayer was answered and you can attest to that by those things you experienced in Viet Nam. A lot of us believers can look back in our former lives and realize how we were miraculously protected from all kinds of danger but we don't realize that it was from the Lord until after we come to salvation. I was saved while serving in the last year of my contractual service in the Army and I can tell you that I shouldn't even been typing this message but my mothers prayers amongst many others, has brought me here today! Yes! you will see that doctor in heaven! Thankyou for your service!

[@tyrssen1]

I was 100% against that war, but I salute you sir, and commend you for your service. Thanks Richard.

[@benisaten]

Great video. Thank you for this. Cheers and Respects from Niagara 🇨🇦

[@Peter-jo3sc]

Thank you for bearing witness to His dispensation of Amazing Grace. I too believe in being delivered many times in my life through the prayers of others . After hearing your experiences I thank God for once again revealing His work. God bless .

[@mikeevans-mo4gj]

the stature of a man never translates into heroism, as this brave soul proves, bless him

[@paulsherman51]

Excellent perspective right here. Every activist and protester needs to take a hard lesson of "mankind", and by 'man' that means the general sense; neither 'person' nor 'mission' in the NOTAM sense. Amen, true hero.

[@Orecatmeatprocessors]

Mick, You are right the Lord protected you, and yes there is power in prayer! I worked for the USFS and in 1961 I completed my last three years as a Smokejumper in Fairbanks, Alaska. The Feds were signing up Smokejumpers to work for Air America as Kickers. I think the 4 that signed up the year before all got killed. In my group, I think 4 more signed up. Later that winter Gid Newton, a Smokejumper Kicker, was killed then later Gene Debruin, was shot down and killed in a prison camp escape. I was also trained in packing parachutes and dropping cargo like you, and an interesting thing happed; my father, who is a righteous man, said to me: "Don't join the military". That made a big impression on me, even though the money would of been terrific! I went to work at night and attended college. It worked out a lot better. I'm a father of 5 kids my middle son just retired from the USAF as a Lt Colonel and Dr of Psychology and commanded some impressive operations that I could have only dreamed about.

[@arfshesaid4325]

wow just incredible, when you think about it, those happenings he experienced were either complete random flukes of luck or they werent. Nothing in between, just blessed with angel like protection or nothing. I truly believe that there is a reason for everything, god bless all of you out there, and a great thanks to all that served....

[@Medietos]

That is given many humans, especially children up to 3, nothing INcredible about it Although maybe you just said so bcz of being unused to hear and think about such things?. Have you never got unexpected, unexplainable , wonderful help, big or small? We should do more for them, and for ourselvs , to not give them such a hard time helping us. Our messs and 8Swed) lack of faith, shuts us off out soul and makes it harder for them to relate to and help us.

[@misterbojangles6205]

My Mother also was a spiritualist and she prayed the white light of the Lord be around me. your stories are awesome Richard. .

[@budgibson185]

Please keep telling stories sir! These are gold

[@laudreport3798]

Wow! Unbelievable stories, but true. Desmond Doss from Hacksaw Ridge WWII was also a 7th Day Adventist, this man that told all these stories wasn't a religious guy, but became one in the end. Amen for his testimony.

[@timjordan6703]

I watched each of your stories tonight. Wow! A man of many lives. I guess that we will never know what really happened until we all reach the next realm.

[@rangerswife2176]

Wow! We need to pray more for people than we do! What an amazing video. Thank you so much for sharing. And thank you and all of the brave ones for your service. God bless you.

[@BillyJ244]

Awesome stories!! Very amazing. I had an uncle that was in the Iwo Jima during the second world war. It was older than most of the other soldiers he was in his early thirties. They asked him why is it you never seem to be scared,? My uncle said when the Lord wants you he will take you and that was that. Somebody was definitely watching over this man as with my uncle.

[@johnbicknell8512]

Sounds like you had an amazing time. Thank goodness you made it back home . So many didn't. I did three tours but you have the best story .

[@rikijett310]

Great stories!!!! Thank you for your service sir!! May God bless you always!! ✝️🇺🇸✝️

[@williammoeglin6191]

WOW! Talk about stories - - - - ! Strange things happen in wars. But, in these stories, something else was at work. Welcome home, Mr. Smith. I hope you meet the doctor that delivered you. God Bless.

[@michaelluciano3690]

Thank you sir for your heroic service to our country.

[@My2ndtimearound]

Thank you for your service and amazing pictures and stories.

[@DarkTerritory71]

I could listen to this mans stories, for ever! WOW! The "grit" of this man!

[@jimandersen9202]

Wow Richard, Thank you for that heart warming story. It's going to take a while for me to process. God bless you

[@daytimedreaming8307]

Mr. Richard Smith, you are an amazing man, a true man without a doubt. Welcome home and in the Lird Welcome home. As you told of those events, I knew Who was keeping you safe. Bless you now and forever.

[@donaldjohnson2038]

Thank you for your service and protection of our country, Sir. You men are heroes.

[@djpsy9538]

sry how did he defend USA Last time i checkt USA "helpt" nam same as they did in Afgan and Iraq and Syria. No 1 NW soldier attackt NY or LA or i mist somethin

[@donaldjohnson2038]

@@djpsy9538 yOu MisT soMeThin.

[@djpsy9538]

@@donaldjohnson2038 Can u give me info then, ppl in eu have diferent way of war then us u know

[@donaldjohnson2038]

@@djpsy9538 When we, the USA, helped you win WWI and WWII you were happy is that correct? And we formed NATO to create a strong alliance. Correct? So why was it bad to help South Vietnam, a democracy that all they wanted was the freedom that we enjoy? WE WON THAT WAR. The North Vietnamese and Viet Cong signed the peace agreement at Paris France, known as the Paris Peace Accords. We beat and bombed the enemy into submission and they signed the agreement in Sept of 1973. We promised the South that we would fund them on a piece for piece basis, meaning a bullet for a bullet, a tank for a tank, a helicopter for a helicopter, etc. And they would defend themselves as they were doing with our help. However, in 1974 the Democrats won the House and Senate and then refused to honor our promise. And the South was taken over. Shameful. Once again. We BEAT the North into submission and our lovely chickenshit, lying, Democrats turned their yellow backs on our friends from the South. Look it up.

[@ambushedimagination1931]

Very nice, thank you for being able to adjust your life after the war, enough to be able to talk about it. I tip my hat

[@charlesvenangojr.3513]

Wonderful story my friend, thanks for sharing

[@alexkalish8288]

Nice little Collins station and Astatic microphone. I was an infantry officer in Vietnam later in the war. While with Mac-V I was on the border with Laos for almost a year - It was a rough period in 72-73. Welcome home amigo, happy to see you well and thriving ...

[@davet322]

lol I was a parachute rigger and airdrop specialist in the peacetime Army in the late 70s. You have made me feel better about that experience Richard. Thanks.

[@TheByard]

I'm a Brit living in Veitnam just to the right of Richards green table lamp and about level with the top. A 16.00 hrs. this afternoon a wind came through followed bt very heavy rain that last to 16.29 hrs. exactly. I know this because I was taking blood pressure readings and noting the time. I was happy because I didn't have to water our small holding and even happier no damage had occurred. But then I do believe in GOOD. My father said, If you can't do a person some good, do them no harm.

[@joeybobbie1]

That’s a Incredible story. God works in mysterious ways. You surely had a Guardian Angel with you. Praise the Lord.👍❤️

[@EcouragingGodStories]

Wow ... what an amazing God-glorifying interview. Thanks so much for sharing it publicly!

[@dannyrich1185]

That was an amazing story and to have Rich come to the Lord makes it beautiful 😍

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

These stories choke me up too. Yes the prayers of a righteous man....very well said.

[@MuffinManUSN]

15 Seconds to subscribe here. All heart. He worked long and hard to get past that point and was inspired again to happily share with us. Thank you for that Sir

[@robmcclintock1307]

Awesome stuff. I got drafted. Unc Sam messed up my orders. I was told new ones were forthcoming. Still waiting for them.

[@fjb4932]

Rob Mc, Read about a guy that had a change of orders while in transit. Was told to wait at home until they were re-issued. He must have fell between the cracks and after several attempts to have the local recruiter get his orders straightened out, he simply gave up. After 20 years he filed for retirement, initially refused and with threats of desertion / dereliction of duty. He sued and won on the grounds that he had done as ordered, it was they that screwed up. That was about 1973 or so, if i remember. Don't know how one would go about researching / verifying . . .

[@eldin14]

@@fjb4932 Good for him. Screw the US for all the evils it has committed in the world, using the bodies of our boys and girls, WITHOUT CONSCIENCE. Screw them!

[@italianguy607]

Richard, you were special in the eyes of the Lord from the day you were born. I can't thank you enough for sharing this wonderful story. Praise Jesus!

[@kennethpotts4341]

You didn't know the Lord back then but the Lord knew you. Thank you for your stories.

[@josephliptak]

Thank you for your service. Those who served next to you were blessed. Would have liked to serve with you. Glad you made it home. You had many miraculous experiences in Vietnam that were meant only for you.

[@paulsherman51]

Have you considered being nominated for public office? We need you in Congress, the Senate, or higher.

[@matthewwoon1]

Your definitely a men. Life brings you places to never known . . God bless . Thank you for your service.

[@MJGangitano]

woow! thank that angel! Thank you for coming home and all your service.

[@mikescott655]

Amen brother and so glad you made it back safely

[@willmears1111]

Great experiences that were a pleasure to hear. From a military intelligence Vietnam Veteran that worked with SF in Laos.

[@thunder3470]

Praise God for you guys, who does the interviews for this one is especially good. It is recorded loud enough for me hearing impaired, this also was spiced right, not a fan of forcing the guys to first talk of where they are from. I really appreciate this one and the way it was done. Thank you.

[@antonrehling1966]

Hearing impaired, I have had tinnitus since 19 from all the cannon, rifle, machine gun fire I was around. It has been continuous from 19 almost 20 years old to current age almost 69 years old.

[@rastapete100]

@David Wang You'd think that God would have protected the innocent civilians better.

[@fbigburg]

I know you through these stories. I feel good knowing a brave and spiritual man.

[@ShawnTuber_home]

Wow, some wonderful stories. Thanks for sharing.

[@chan7829]

The story of the miracles are inspired, Thanks very much for sharing.

[@mrt2this607]

Thank you for your service sir. And to all the other men & women who have served. - from an Army brat who was born at Fort Brag. Father was also in the 82nd, then later moved on to be a pilot. Flew the huey and cobra, and also pilot instructor for those birds - Airborne

[@dukecraig2402]

I know how much more advanced and powerful the Apache is but I just think the Cobra is the baddest helicopter ever, the square canopy version they had when I was in the Army is the cats meow in my book. When I was stationed in Germany I'd watch those things prowl all over the countryside and I wanted to fly one so bad it made my teeth hurt.

[@GtrDSC]

A true miracle!!! Amazing!!!

[@matthewplymale8696]

God bless you a big salute for your service and stories... God is great

[@josiel152]

thanks for recounting all your adventures being interesting story, thought provoking

[@burtthebeast4239]

Welcome Home, Thank you Sir, God bless you ALL 🙏

[@thelement3363]

that was the most incredible ending/beginning ive ever heard. brother you spent every day of your life in heaven. its right here amongst tthe hell