Vietnam Voices: 'I learned to let go real easy over there'

Vietnam War veteran Dale Lacher talks about his experiences. Lacher was in the U.S. Army and served as a dustoff (medevac helicopter) medic. He graduated from Billings West High (Montana) in 1968 and was inducted into the Army in July 1968.

[@sds3743]

Interviewer had a real talent for interviews and follow up questions. These videos have become my favorites. Wish they had podcasts.

[@pbrucpaul]

Tough job, I give him credit. He seems like a guy who had good self control, and as a Medic you had to be focused.

[@dalelacher1210]

Thank You

[@intrepidtomato]

Being a medic is probably one of the best things to do in a war if you have the stomach to do it. Glad he was there to do it, it really gave me a sense of how dangerous it must have been. Thanks for this great story, and thanks for taking the time to remember the men that did not make it back home.

[@bobrub]

As a '71 grunt in the 101st Phu Bai, Quang Tri area, I sincerely appreciate your efforts Darrell to record these honorable men/women's VN/life experiences. And Dale, you sir deserve many, many more medals than I'm sure you came home with. If only our college age youth of today had 1/10 the patriotism you exhibited back then I would feel much more confident in our country's future and well being going forward. God Bless you both.

[@nookbandit]

For all who couldn't say thank you, thank you

[@dalelacher1210]

My honor

[@davidwatson2399]

To thank you again for another fantastic interview What a super cool dude.👍 Thank you for saving so many lives.

[@strikeslip5228]

Right on. Selflessness and a strong constitution. Very enlightening. Thank you for sharing inspiration and serving our great country.

[@colemcclain7319]

Thank you for your service!

[@mikebyrne9739]

Thank you Dale.

[@jetobey5656]

May the Trinity bless this man and all who were there with him, "in country."

[@sandypeppers6861]

This guy is so mellow. He went to do a job and did it. No surprises and no drama. I would be glad of his company if I had a “situation”.

[@dalelacher1210]

Thank You

[@MsRESkater]

Thank you for your service, Dale.

[@stoneblue1795]

Great account of your experiences, Dale. Thanks.

[@dalelacher1210]

Thank You

[@michaelluna1968]

Thanks for your dedicated service.. Blessings

[@kennethprice5628]

Thank you sir for your serrvice and welcome home brother...70 yo Navy Veteran

[@reelsk376]

My favorite part is when he describes his work as something, "any boy scout could do." The humility of these gentlemen is truly astounding. So much respect for this generation and what they endured. They are rare in every way.

[@michaelhard9692]

Thanks for your service Dale you also had steel balls Welcome home !!!

[@dalelacher1210]

Thank You

[@laurence1643]

A profoundly admirable job in the military. Thank you USAF 66-70

[@frankhinkle5772]

Welcome home Mr. Lacher. Welcome home.

[@byranbunn2773]

Thank you both. Amazing.

[@erica8664]

thank you .

[@dalelacher1210]

My honor

[@michaelnitsch4431]

thanks for your service sir

[@mariekatherine5238]

Now, this man was a true counter culture! He eagerly joined the Army when the majority of kids his age were growing long hair, smoking weed, and neglecting personal hygiene. Five of my cousins joined, three Navy, one Army, one Marines. Jimmy was KIA in January, ‘68.

[@dougdownunder5622]

Don't believe the majority story. Not the case in my world.

[@robertisham5279]

these Vietnam videos are basically BS. These veterans willingly chose to go to an unwinnable, illegal war. If they say otherwise they are promoting a falsehood. A lot of these people push the image that they could or did win the war, but the "politicians" and the "people back home" lost it. Vietnam was a national American disgrace, tragedy and defeat...and they share in the responsibility of it. The politicians and American people saw that the war was not being won, or was unwinnable. The US never really had the "hearts and minds" of the South Vietnamese people...who they supposedly were fighting for. They don't talk much about the war crimes they committed against the Vietnamese....OR even against their own personnel. Lastly, whether these guys won or lost...the Vietnam war had absolutely NO effect on American freedom, security, safety or way of life. They did NOT sacrifice anything for my...or your freedom. These veterans present themselves as victims and wrongly treated. They are big boys and went to a country to kill or be killed. They shared in the failure. Now they want to be recognized for their "sacrifice" through videos, Honor Flights, endless trips to the Wall in DC or to Vietnam itself. They never grew up and really moved on. They have made themselves an embarrassment to my generation.

[@treasurethetime2463]

"Did you come from a military family?" "No. My dad served in ww2. My 3 uncle's all served in www 2 also. One uncle served in Vietnam also."

[@jacobsladder6715]

I'm sure he was a little nervous... did you serve? No one made a career of it was his point.

[@R281]

Wish the interviewer would ask more about specific experiences in Vietnam. We only get a brief overview of what actually happened over there. Yes, we get a couple of stories, but they're brief.

[@ponyduder]

Ya too much bumbling around. It might help to have two or three guys on the set and have them interact or interview each other. I got next to zero insight from this…

[@MrKbtor2]

Can we crowd fund this awesome individual to go back? I'm in.

[@zombienomad5746]

I love story's my brother told of throwing off off helicopters you never counted going on only coming off

[@MrRay47]

Thanks Dale, for telling the Dustoff story, for remembering our KIA's and for keeping me from becoming one of them.

[@johns.7609]

Ray Greiner amazing to witness this interaction. Thank you both.

[@flynnlivescmd]

Right on Ray!

[@teddysalad8227]

Well said.

[@stephenking4794]

Ray! You brave SOBs, all of you.😜

[@lynyrdskynyrd9742]

God bless this fine man. What a humble decent person.

[@faniesmith]

Combat medics are a different breed. I have only the utmost respect for anyone that did this job.

[@dalelacher1210]

Thank You

[@donaldjones7678]

I was a grunt in Vietnam 1971. We had a lot of respect for dust offs.

[@alethamobley6688]

Thank you for your service

[@kennethbush7596]

Great interview. Very humble veteran. Welcome home sir and thank you for your service.

[@dalelacher1210]

Thank you

[@stephenking4794]

@@dalelacher1210 You are a good man, Dale.

[@Megatron138]

Thank you for honoring my Uncle Dale. A more solid example of “grit” you would not find.

[@williamkissane4261]

An American Hero !!

[@intrepidtomato]

I hope he is safe and well.

[@jeffkerr4249]

THANK YOU DALE !

[@dalelacher1210]

My honor

[@4Him4u2]

This man is a true humanitarian, then and now. Thank you for your service.

[@dalelacher1210]

My honor

[@garyjohnson7476]

@@dalelacher1210 I'll look lllmm

[@aldousbrawndo996]

I believe the tone of voice the house used was all wrong he could introduce the guest with more reverence and respect in the tone of his voice

[@aldousbrawndo996]

@@dalelacher1210 hello friend I'm a 38 year old man from Indiana and I've been obsessed with Vietnam since I was given the opportunity to take class on it in junior high. My teacher was a Survivor who told me the story about being a rear guard on a retreat and being told to write a goodbye note to his family. I'm a Christian but I also believe in reincarnation I believe I died in Vietnam in my past life I also believe I was reincarnated in another life before my current life and after my death in Vietnam where I killed myself at a young age. Well anyways I'm probably not an insane person I don't know what else to say I'm just going to relax and enjoy your interview

[@amir4r803]

Thank you for sharing, Dale ! You're a true angel

[@danmurphy4472]

Thank You Dale for your Service and Dedication to our Country !!............Much , Much RESPECT !!........Job Well Done !!.........Welcome Home Sir !!

[@dalelacher1210]

Thank You

[@jcs1942]

Appreciate your sharing your experience. My friend Pat Brady was a dust off pilot and MOH Recipient. He co-wrote with his daughter ‘Flying Dead Men’. Fiercely anti-communist because of the atrocities he witnessed on their own people.

[@mggailitis7231]

I really like how sensitive the questioner is. Kudos, good sir.

[@tundrawomansays5067]

Anyone anywhere, anytime, any place would be fortunate to have you caring for them. We're all fortunate you served-and continue to serve-the needs of others. Please forgive me if this observation appears intrusive or just plain wrong but I hope the sadness I see in your eyes is a reflection of a tough day, being tired, the seriousness in recalling your memories-in other words, situational. Or maybe it's projection on my part in wondering who cares for the care provider. Thank you, sir sounds so small and insignificant but sometimes beyond this, words fail. You never have.

[@dalelacher1210]

Thank You

[@mattchew69er]

You and your family have done a great service sir, your role is so significant. Thank you and stay humble

[@henryomeara9701]

God Bless You Dale! I have seldom ever seen such an Optimistic-Courageous-Professional Personality! Thank You saving Lives and Volunteering to Free South Vietnam!

[@dalelacher1210]

Thank You

[@festus51]

I have watched many of your interviews. I'm glad our story is finally getting out to the public. I just wish we had some one like you here in Ks to do the same thing.

[@falconmoose1589]

You are so lucky to have been able to avoid humping the bush. Good on you.

[@dalelacher1210]

I loved flying and was proud to support the grunts.

[@jinyingjiang4628]

Thanks Dale for your service. I’m sure all your patients were glad to see you !

[@rodkneeellil3905]

Thank you sir, for everything you did for our country. I appreciate the opportunity to hear the deeds done there of another honorable soldier of the Vietnam conflict.

[@cum-gw4sm]

Momma got out of bed stood up our ❤cu m ❤gushed❤ out of momma between her legs❤ poppa licked❤ our❤ cum ❤off the floor❤ grandma licked poppa but hole❤❤❤❤❤

[@dr32803]

It’s refreshing how all the comments here are positive. 👍🏼Many sections on you tube are so negative.

[@r2gelfand]

I find myself tearing up often as I listen to these veterans.

[@notagrd]

The civilian injuries were tuff!😔🇺🇸🍺

[@garybulwinkle82]

How would they recover downed helicopters? Probably with a larger helicopter; a heavy lift helicopter? Still seems like it would be awkward!!

[@notagrd]

He shouldn't Have to pay for a trip back!!

[@danmurphy4472]

Thank You SIR for your Service and Dedication to our country during a very difficult time !!!........job well done Sir........WELCOME HOME SIR !!

[@dalelacher1210]

Thank You

[@shodanart]

This is an unsung hero! Humble Dust-off crew medic, saved many lives!

[@80sOutrunFan]

I am watching all of these videos :) Not from the US and never served.

[@slyflyby]

Welcome home Dale. Humble squared away medic and soldier.

[@dalelacher1210]

Thank;You

[@ppe4383]

@@dalelacher1210 thanks for what?

[@sparkle1974]

i've watched many of these, and you are one of the three that i keep coming back to listen to again.

[@jettsetter7]

29 self-hating hippies watched this video.

[@dalelacher1210]

?

[@jettsetter7]

@@dalelacher1210 at the time I commented this, 29 people had disliked the video.

[@dalelacher1210]

@@jettsetter7 now I understand your post. Thank you!

[@jimmyandkathyharrell]

Thank you Dale!

[@dalelacher1210]

My honor

[@dollybellamy1290]

Well in my opinion you cant get much more honest than Dale Lacher. A privilege to hear his story. I dont know but some of these guys that say they didn't get or have PTSD, I wonder about them. When he looks down he has that stare. Also helicopter crewmen were always staring down looking for the enemy or the ground coming up at them. Do that for a year while being shot at and fixing people. Here is the guy you would want in an emergency.

[@intrepidtomato]

Yes, I thought so too. He has a very calm personality and probably sees a lot of difficult things in his civilian job, but it clearly bothered him to revisit this time again. There must have been things that were very hard to forget.

[@christopherjcarson]

Reminiscent of the famous book “Chicken Hawk”, a gripping read for any one who likes helicopters!

[@jamesfriend4344]

I served with the 575th MedDet, Nha Trang, right beside the helipad the 283rd DustOff used...I flew with them a few times when they needed a medic but my duty was mostly as a medic for sick and wounded in the ward and dispensary, that Quonset Hut. 1970-1971

[@r0bstafford126]

All the best vet at ya from new Zealand

[@4Him4u2]

One thing not mentioned is how the Dust-Off crews flew in all weather. Dust-Off pilots were expected to fly by instruments when necessary and went out in everything hence, the reference to bad days involving weather.

[@falconmoose1589]

Should have heeded your parents advice. Viet Nam 1971.

[@dalelacher1210]

I didwhat I thought was right

[@falconmoose1589]

@@dalelacher1210 Me too Dale.

[@ramzy1013]

Great story thank you for your service

[@billburkle215]

Great guy

[@glenncsr.88]

That was in my opinion one of the best Vietnam interviews.

[@lemuelyoungblood5756]

Thank you very much for your services

[@benturner9255]

I would love to ride through Vietnam with you

[@chrisblue46]

I've been living in VN for over 10 yrs, only 40 minutes from Chu Lai, and 5 kms from My Lai , the only problem I've had with the VN Govt is forgetting to renew my visa one time.

[@bryanfrombuffalo7685]

When I was 18 moving 1k miles alone was enough of a stretch in side the usa..I couldn't imagine going to war

[@rudytagala7076]

A very professional and cool guy!

[@markcrossno3007]

What a great guy, but I think history shows the students were right. Everything about that war was wrong.

[@edpritchard3001]

Hero

[@dalelacher1210]

Thank You

[@peternorthrup6274]

Recondo school?.

[@dalelacher1210]

?

[@notagrd]

My god!! Whatta Humble man!🍺🇺🇸

[@bomempsavage1386]

Best interview yet

[@laurence1643]

I really like his attitude and agree with him. USAF 66-70

[@fretworkpeddler]

Great video! Thank you!

[@robbertc3418]

We had to go in to Cambodia. Wow, not even knowing going to VN was wrong…..

[@damianalexandre]

Great stories; bad interviewer

[@lorrainelee3092]

Thank you.

[@dalelacher1210]

My honor

[@spudboyQ]

I have a golf buddy with a very similar story. His pilot was not so lucky as to survive and he was a medic, not a pilot, but he took the seat and got them down. Thank you so much for allowing them to tell their stories. So many interesting lessons.

[@howardfortyfive9676]

15:17 When his phone rang I would never have guessed a Montana Nam Vet would have *opera* as a ring tone. The last say 5m clued me. I like a bit of *opera* from time to time. Classical music was introduced to me in 5th or 6th grade. I was trained as a medic but I was in Kansas and no one was trying to kill me. This Vet had *big Brass Balls.* 11.19.2019 1648

[@dalelacher1210]

Thank You

[@dougstyles5091]

Lol!! Weird Eddie. These guys are awesome.

[@jerrygallegos7297]

I hope you see . you are a true hero . I would have had you're Job if I was Old enough.

[@dalelacher1210]

@@jerrygallegos7297 👍

[@britgerus1956Glenn]

Many thanks

[@marcclement7396]

Thank you Dale.

[@joehimes9898]

Wow, just wow.

[@bjornnilsson7982]

Cool man

[@greensombrero3641]

BRAVO! HERO!

[@jamesfriend4344]

In Nha Trang or the other places you mention did you ever fly with W.O. Bielecki? He was the best pilot ever.

[@jaredpeterson380]

I admire his ability to know what he wanted at that young age. Very humble and professional.

[@joeblow9931]

10 weeks for 91B school? They must have dumbed it down when i was there in 76. mine was about 6 weeks

[@jimmorin8629]

Hilda, Hilda, Hilda, this is Abstraction over, antibody out there ever heard that.

[@Michael-ms8xy]

Some of their faces before they even start talking..

[@dallasbeus2117]

Awesome guy, down to earth, welcome home Dale!

[@annecampbell7671]

💪🏼🔥💯❤🕊🇺🇸 thank you

[@joshw.c.3862]

“Sponsored by Master Lube”

[@joeblow9931]

1049 = "dream sheet"

[@PatBuckleyracecar]

Thank you.

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

God Bless these Soldiers for fighting for freedom of foreign peoples.

[@dalelacher1210]

Thank You