Vietnam Veteran Interviews - Joanne Downes, Army Nurse Corp, 1969-1970

[@shellybastion9974]

Thank you, J.D. You saved our dads. Thank you.

[@felixmadison5736]

God bless the nurses who served in Vietnam. I served there with the army in 1969, and was severely wounded by mortar fire in December of that year. If not for the nurses, doctors, and Medevac helicopter pilots, I would not be here typing this in 2004 at the age of 75. Joanne, your story brought tears to my eyes as I remembered getting wounded and what I went through. I was 20 years-old, and spent 8 months having surgeries before being well enough to be released from my contract with the army.

[@gordo46]

These nurses were true heroes I have so much respect for them and the corpsmen/medics and doctors bless them all.

[@dalekeller1609]

Having been there in 1968 at 85th Evac I can relate to this story. Most of those severely injured always said I am going home.

[@tonymc55]

Everlasting gratitude. Thankful.

[@henryfalcon8208]

such a cool lady.

[@alangeddes268]

5 days in hospital in I Corp 1970. Angels in OD are the greatest. I thank you.

[@brians7419]

Joanne, You are such a hero. Words cannot express my gratitude for your service. I’m so sorry you were not recognized for your service upon returning to the U.S. May God bless you.

[@michaelhemphill8575]

Respect to you Miss Joanne.."Welcome back to the World..!!

[@TerryBryant-oq1dn]

You're an awesome person and nurse...thank you for helping our boys.

[@jamescarlson6723]

I was in Vietnam active duty 69-70 and was very happy to have had the many volunteers who also came to Vietnam to serve in many occupations. Nurses, donut dollies, etc. Including the many entertainment groups (Bob Hope and others.) Thanks to all of you.

[@billfeist2988]

God bless them all. Took a fellow soldier to 93rd evac hosp. They were great.

[@DavidHamros]

Welcome Home, God bless you All 🙏🏼❤️

[@siouxzgreene6274]

Such a heartfelt history. Thank you for your service.

[@jimmorrison-ye2yj]

You tell a good story!

[@sr633]

Been there and let us know about it. Thanks.

[@Jackie1952]

My husband, USMC Vietnam, 66-67 had our first son die from SIDS, our second son was born at 28 weeks, 900 grams. His daughter from his first marriage had to go onto birth control at age 12 because she was having problems with her ovaries. HER children, our grandson had Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, he is in remission now, her daughter, our granddaughter has Endometriosis. I know for a FACT Agent Orange did all of this to us

[@elgringo8411]

Be strong Jackie. Sorry to hear that. Yeah the large corporations and our authorities did lie to us. Different era for sure.

[@charliebecker2216]

Crazy to hear stories from a 70 year person talk about a 20 year experience that was traumatic. It’s taken them soo long to talk about it .

[@jimgarrett7078]

Great American!!!!!