Vietnam Voices: 'Sometimes it was mayhem, but it was controlled mayhem'

[@luci8749]

God bless you I’m so glad u survived Thank you for your service Welcome back even though it’s late Sending prayers to you Be happy and healthy Hugs to you from a 79 year old gramma

[@dswiger]

Allan is one brave soul. Of all things, face a camera & relive his trauma for our sake. I returned from Vietnam in 1970 and didn't now how talk about my experience. After 50+ years, I can't adequately explain to those who hadn't been. Talking to my "brothers-in-arms" has been the best therapy for me. Bless you & God keep you in his arms.

[@banditnip0345]

This guy's re-living his flight combat experience with alot of emotion. He's definately seen his share of Hell. My greatest respect for this honorable soldier.

[@markfromct2]

I am not a soldier. He is a five star General to me

[@225rip]

When my brother came home from Nam we didn't understand him. I wish this video was available then. He has past now and we never understood his PTSD. Great job and thank you.

[@melissak8419]

One of the most heartfelt interviews. He had tears coming out of my eyes telling his story, when his wife came along, letting his son be an adult and make his own decisions, how the vets were treated coming home. He served his country, followed orders, and as a Grand daughter of two USMC, and daughter of USMC Reservist, and daughter-in-law of Air Force Sr. MS Srgt, thank you for your service. Some enlisted to serve their country and others may have been drafted, but they served and followed their orders and deserve our respect.

[@jasoncarskadon6809]

This is a truly powerful interview. It took alot courage to tell his story. Thank you, and God bless him for sharing his story.

[@faudi23]

This interview was riveting. My emotions went on the roller coaster ride of his experiences. The rawness and the soul bearing he shared was heart wrenching. 😢😢😢 Then he brings us back to current time where he adjusted and has led a full and rewarding life. What an honor to welcome you home. Thank you for your service.

[@theodoremartin6153]

Its pretty obvious its women like you that kept this country together . Teach it to your daughters will ya?

[@patrickmchose7472]

Can't be said any better. Thank you ma'am.

[@slyflyby]

God bless you Allan Hartman. Thank you for your service and the courage it took to tell your story. You are a great man,husband,and father. May God continue to bless you and your family. Peace or your journey .

[@johnalves3583]

Thanks for sharing Allan. What a powerful interview. I shed tears when he spoke of his Mother and her telling him to come home safe. I can’t imagine how they both felt at that time. Also, Kudos to the Billings Gazette for a great series of interviews.

[@darrenmonks4532]

Solidarity with America from Australia, and our Vietnam Vet's experienced the same. Allies forever.

[@CrashedSuperman]

Allan, Thanks for taking the time to record your experience. I’m an ex British Soldier who served in Iraq and can identify with the process of coming to terms with the events and the feelings of isolation on returning to a country that has no understanding of what you have been through. I’ve found many of these interviews really helpful in settling some of my issues.

[@soylentgreen2065]

Good luck and God bless you. From the U.S., I wish you health and happiness.

[@victorglaviano]

I hated myself for years, I felt like I was a murderer I lost my wife, my house and nearly my soul. it can be a bitch, but stay in the fight

[@katandpapa]

Thanks from an old American for your service as a British soldier in Iraq!🇺🇸🙏❤

[@hawkrolla]

Interviewer does such a terrific job letting the man speak without interruption .

[@jerrymccommons6950]

The same order of questions copied by other interviewers.

[@beverlystaley9698]

Agreed. I have watched other journalists do similar interviews of veterans & I can barely stand to listen bc of the RUDE & constant interruptions.

[@PaintballVideosNet]

Thanks

[@darktater2020]

One of the best vet interviewers I’ve heard. He gently guides the conversation and let’s the speaker tell their story without interference. Kudos to this courageous vet.

[@tomhughes9639]

One of the most emotional videos I have seen. God bless them all.

[@Don_Modern_Ancestor]

I've seen quite a few in this Vietnam Voices series. This is one of the most impactful interviews thus far.

[@ssy12335]

Thanks to this veteran for showing his emotions, that took a lot of bravery to do. What a fascinating person, with a personal journey to share. The depth of his recollections show the soul searching that went on with him during that 5-year period on the road. Thanks to his wife, Elaine, for loving this man so he could come back, so he could receive a welcome home, no matter how long it took. And thanks to Billings Gazette for keeping these stories alive and honoring these veterans. I would like to hear some women's POV, the nurses in particular. Thanks again.

[@harleylawdude]

Elaine could just "be with" him. That's important. That wall in Washington is a powerful experience.

[@racer774]

Shawni Ysais - There are a couple of Vietnam female veteran interviews I've watched on KZbin. You may have run across them since your post above.

[@bobbylawrence4912]

Thank all of you, Vietnam Veterans, for your service in the war. Thank you for the part of you that you gave for others. I missed being there by a razor's edge. I made plans to go. My father died of cancer when I was a senior in high school. He was an Army Veteran who served during the Korean War. I took the ASVAB Test and scored in the 99 th percentile. Recruiters were contacting me from every branch of the Armed Forces. My mother would hang up the phone on them and tell them "Don't call back again! He's not interested!" . She did the same when they came to our home. She slammed the door in their face. She was afraid that I would go to Vietnam and be one of the last soldiers to get killed. I was the oldest child. The thought of losing me and my father at the same time was unnerving to her. During this time, the war ended. Because of this , I feel a connectedness to Vietnam Veterans. I took ROTC in college up until I looked at the future possibilities with the military and decided to be a teacher. The good Lord had other plans for me. Thank each one of you for the sacrifices you made on my behalf. You are loved and appreciated.❤🙏🤗🙌🙌🙌

[@mebeasensei]

Bit where he has gone from loading rockets as part of a team to sitting in a facility stateside all alone, with no place to go within 24 hrs or a matter of days, the bit that shocked me most.

[@albertbeard9113]

Thank you for your service 🙏

[@IH986fan]

This is a great interview, with a remarkable person. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@paintdoctor5532]

Thank you for your service Mr. Hartman. And Thank you for sharing. You are appreciated more than you will ever know.

[@fernalicious]

Thank you Allan for having the guts to share your story, especially your struggles after the war. It makes it easier for others to do the same and hopefully access the resources they need to get better. Thanks again.

[@markmanning806]

Welcome Home Sir From Oregon. Thank you !

[@josephanderson7237]

A moving testimony of life experiences. I hope this was therapeutic for this soldier. Welcome home Sir.

[@carlzuzulock3173]

One of the best Vietnam interviews I have watched. As a Vietnam vet I can relate to what you have gone through. Thank you for serving.

[@nobody-ly9ef]

Thank you for serving ,and welcome home.

[@Joseph-ft4gh]

Just watched this story and what a true hero and gentleman. He sure is a perfect example of “when the going gets tough, the tougzh get going”. Thank you Sir for your service and welcome home!

[@dollybellamy1290]

My favorite interview so far because I was a Huey Gunship Crew Chief too. His description of a gun run, the silence in the ship after a mission, all of it. Just good to hear Allan Hartman made it back and is doing well. Thanks for telling the story.

[@mikeloob8653]

Dolly. I can’t figure out what he did on a cobra. Was he in the weapons seat? He was only 18.. that’s nuts!

[@rmurry6169]

@@mikeloob8653 I'm pretty sure he wasn't on a Cobra but was on a Huey Gunship which had a crew of 4 whereas a Cobra has a crew of 2.

[@banditnip0345]

I was glad to see the host of this segment gave this veteran the hour & forty-five minutes of talk time. He more than likely needed to talk about his experience for awhile.

[@motonegros]

What a heavy interview.

[@mikem3875]

This is one of the best in this series

[@Travelin2Wit]

Moving, description of a man successfully reclaiming his humanity . Thank you for sharing your experiences strength and hope with us.

[@gene101101]

Thank you for your service Allan. Your one great truth was to gain the determination to not allow the Vietnam experience to influence your entire life. Major growth change, not easy, but that's what combat vets need to do for themselves. Thank you again for your splendid example.

[@KojakWhack]

Best one I've watched.

[@Kenaiwolf]

I love this guy for how deeply he reached in order to convey the emotion and sensations of Vietnam, as well as his home life. THANK YOU!

[@06bravo68]

Great interview brother. It brought back similar and the same memories. It is something that is and will always be with us. I served from 1970 - 1971. Thank you for your service and WELCOME HOME. 🇺🇸

[@33cattt49]

It’s 2020 , America is in peril . My generation doesn’t deserve this country , Thank you for your service sir .

[@jimcameron2511]

yeah everyone was saying that in 68, too, and yet here we are.

[@33cattt49]

@@jimcameron2511 all the traitor boomers that ran from. Duty embraced hedonism and really betrayed their countrymen were the issue . Traitors in government as well too many to name . I remember as a kid all the leftist propaganda pounded into my generations heads that the hippies were somehow full of moral virtue , nothing could be further from the truth .

[@jimcameron2511]

@@33cattt49 Trump is in the middle of that. President Bone Spurs

[@33cattt49]

@@jimcameron2511 right right , like there’s.there’s no other blue blood that didn’t do the same thing like Biden ? Seriously are you a boomer ?

[@jimcameron2511]

@@33cattt49 Trump is not a blue blood.

[@jonness8927]

WOW! I've watched a lot of these videos ,and this was one of the most touching! Welcome home Allan.

[@ocam988able]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@skipmooney5732]

He’s a Likable Gentleman. He had a quick start in his life’s adventures. I’m glad he was able to make this tape, for Himself and Others.

[@rmiller2179]

God bless you and your wife, she is an angel sent to look after one of His children.

[@markholbrook3949]

He opens his soul more than I ever could. Yet he says during one part of the interview that after Vietnam there's some things he's not going to get into? I can only imagine how dark those things were! WOW... Great interview.

[@jameswheeler7679]

This Interview is so powerful he probably has been holding is emotions for yrs none of us can know what war is like unless we have been there every person who has been to Vietnam is my hero.

[@rubycollins3492]

Id like to Thank him for his service Hes an absolute wonderful man it shows

[@jeffbarker8115]

Welcome home Mr. Hartman. You did us proud. Thank you for your service and sharing your story with us. You are an American hero, and we need more people like you.

[@giovanniamabile1285]

Fantastic interview!

[@dennissergent4781]

Best interview I’ve seen anywhere!

[@derrikferguson3219]

Wow. What a powerful story. Brought me to tears. Where he talks about meeting his wife and his road back. And he’s so right about people carrying the elephant of Vietnam. Thank you for sharing.

[@gratitude62]

i am very grateful for this entire series. thank you very much for these interviews, and my greatest appreciation for all these guys. this guy is a treasure, like them all.

[@stevewelborn8744]

This man has been to hell and back. Thank you for making it and your service.

[@thomasjarvill5157]

Wow.. Great interview. Very powerful. Mr. Hartman's story was very moving. I am glad he got his life straightened out.

[@deluxx8456]

Thank you Billings Gazette for this incredible series of Interviews.. This Gentleman is the reason I go out of my way to Thank Every Veteran I meet or know.. Thank You Sir.. God Bless you all..

[@donaldjones7678]

I was a grunt in Vietnam 1971. Understand being scared to death before a mission. While things are happening you just react...no emotion. That comes later.

[@stephenfiore9960]

So articulate. God Bless Him. Raised right

[@niamhneevekinsella7951]

So touching listening to Alan speak about his Mother. God bless you, you came home safe thank god.

[@GeloDianela]

that pause during the 11th minute illustrates it all, the horrors of war

[@carlcampbell6827]

Jose Dianela - Watching a movie, thinking about being a door gunner is a very terrifying thing to comprehend.

[@rrbaggett7]

Thank you for your service and sacrifices, sir. Welcome home!

[@chrisfrench8511]

Thank you for your service. God bless you Allan.

[@markholbrook3949]

Many men including myself at times in their life become broken and needing to be fixed.. This man is or hopefully was very broken. He appears well on his way to being fixed and ready to go!! God Bless

[@kilo-mn5md]

excellent interview. Welcome home sir. Thank you for your service. In my opinion, I think vets from any era could benefit from watching this.

[@dennis9242]

Excellent, vivid description of the Vietnam experience. Thank you.

[@jinyingjiang4628]

Thank you for your service ! God bless you and yours.

[@kennethbush7596]

Thank you for your service and welcome home. Nam was the hardest conflict the USA has ever been involved in. These guys are tough as nails

[@monacorejuvenation4624]

in other episodes of this terrific series, the interviewer, at times, seems intent on moving forward and keeping the interviewee at a steady pace. Even at the expense of letting the his guest flesh out the emotion and and texture of an event that they were relating. Hats off to the interviewer in this (my favourite episode by far) for showing great patience in allowing Mr. Hartman to pause, and gather his thoughts and visualize in his mind his recollection of events. Very poignant and compelling interview. I was riveted. Thanks you to Billings Gazette and Mr. Hartman for sharing with us. Bravo

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

“She didn’t keep at me, she stayed with me” That’s gold.

[@scottraycraft1885]

Best vietnam interview I've seen

[@davidlj53]

This is still pretty raw for him, seems like he’s shoved it down for all those years. Thank you for your service Sir and May God Bless you!

[@victorglaviano]

man, this shit never, ever leaves your mind I believe. I have last seen combat 13 years ago and some days I'll walk out my door and all of a sudden a complete feeling of dread and paranoia... 10 minutes later it's all good, wtf

[@glperkins4053]

This is one of the best interviews I’ve watched. This really made me realize how much we owe men like this man. I have friends that were there and this interview helped me realize what they went through. Thank you.

[@jackvaughn4808]

Best Interview of them all. Much Respect for this man. He finally made it home despite all the odds against him and no help from a country that turned their back on him and his brothers for far too long. Welcome home Soldier. Job well done. Thank God that our current generation of soldiers don't have too endure the disrespect my generation experienced.

[@pulesjet]

I've seen a number of your video's. I thank you for being kind to these guys. You never forced them to provide. Some was about to clime the wall at times.

[@Animusapertus]

I've watched what feels like hundreds of these Vietnam interviews. It is fascinating and i appreciate the people who put them together. I find that the war affected them all profoundly but some more than others and some seemingly not at all. I understand the ones with less combat roles, but even those like Roger Hayden, legendary Navy Seal, claims he had little to no PTSD or the like. I guess some people can "deal" with it and some seem to thrive in it, but some it leaves with permanent emotional and physical scars for the rest of their days. Thank you Allan and to all our service men and women.

[@TeroTube1]

These interviews are KZbin as its finest.🎯

[@markgreen8752]

Thank you Mr. Hartman

[@jovanblom7742]

Another valuable interview. These interviews will mean even more in the future.

[@jamesodd3896]

I feel this interview was very beneficial for Allan and extremely enlightening for us viewers.

[@markpoore3260]

Thank you for your service sir welcome home

[@CheeferSutherland]

Such an inspiration to hear how much he has faced, yet still able to move on and find peace in what makes him happy. Thank you for another well done interview and insight into this great mans life. Welcome home Allan, thank you for your service.

[@JRandallS]

Thanks for sharing your great story, and transparency. Also, good interview.

[@kurtericmunroe9358]

This dude is awesome.

[@peteschiavoni5069]

Welcome home. Thank you for your service. I'm so happy Billings Gazette is doing this and making these stories available to all. I served in USMC from 1983-1987 and have always enjoyed being around vets.

[@davidwatson2399]

Thank you.

[@jeffgidlow9000]

Thank you for your service...

[@deadarmd]

What a great story. He tells it so well.

[@brendaguffey1655]

Thanks to all the Vietnam veterans for their service they are true heroes and welcome home and for the ones who made the ultimate sacrifice you shall never be forgotten RIP 🇺🇸

[@peternorthrup6274]

Great job. We are proud of you.

[@tundrawomansays5067]

What an extraordinary "ordinary" person you are, sir. Thank you and welcome home. If it was pretty terrifying listening to your narrative (and I've been listening to, working with and for combat vets since the early 70s) I can only imagine the incredible stress of living it. The only "problems" a 17/18 yr. old kid should be dealing with is whether or not they have enough money for gas for the car for their hot date this weekend-not whether or not they're gonna live through a hot LZ over and over again. Best wishes to you and your family. Thanks again for your service and participation in this project. I appreciate you pointing out one of the primary responsibilities we have as parents is to foster INdependence, not DEpendence in our kids. We don't have to agree with their decisions as young adults, but it's our job to set them free and take comfort in the realization that part of our task is completed. No one said we had to like it, just do it: Nothing ever fledged without an opportunity-or a dozen!

[@8877robert]

yeah and then he came "home" to realize he didn't have a home, no real connections or place to even just be and collect himself. Great guy.

[@8877robert]

Also he says he not exceptional., but he is .. to go thru that and rebound to find real connection and his family..as he said to not be "defined " by his experience. now here he is telling others that they "have to move on"... absolutely exceptional. Also, obviously he's not "over it" it's right there in him.. he has to harness it each and every hour of every day. has to put one foot forward and "move on" which he's done. let it be a lesson that all these vets , they ALL need a welcome home and services..and care and treatment. This man did it himself. All by himself at least until he was able to meet his wife...good for him. God's speed.

[@mickeymortimer4407]

@@8877robert yeah, like you said, he was suggesting people think thoughts unrelated to Vietnam and have new experiences, moving on like you said. He handled Vietnam so well but it was what awaited him at "home" that took advantage of his youth and vulnerability and lack of support, he was on his own, through everybody's neglect. In the war he had warriors all around him. Good to see how he hung in there and God helped him. Another great American Vietnam veteran. Love from Australia

[@soylentgreen2065]

I cannot express how proud I am of this man. And to his wife, thank you, thank, thank you for making him happy, he deserves it. And to all VN vets who may read this, welcome home, we love you and you are more than anyone can ever fully appreciate. God bless you all.

[@sanctus96]

Thank you for all you have done. You are an inspiration for all of us.

[@joannalopez7954]

Awesome interview. Raw and real. I cried when he spoke about his trip to the wall. Thank you from the depths of my heart for sharing your story. May God bless you and your family always and bring calm to your soul. Thank you. I love you all for giving Your best.

[@carlcampbell6827]

Joanna Lopez - When I think of the wall and all the carnage, I can not help but think about Vietnamese that fought with GIs and horrifying numbers of the allied soldiers and civilians that were killed or maimed. I lived in San Jose California which was a major Vietnamese refugee settlement after the war. In my experience they were fine members of the community, they assimilated into culture, were very sociable, intelligent, hard workers and fully supported kids getting great educations. I was proud of the many Vietnamese I knew and did business with in San Jose.

[@bertski60]

hell of a nice guy and a hell of a great interview.

[@stevengayer3420]

Sir bless your soul! I will always remember you and your sacrifices👏

[@llamont2336]

Mr. Hartman, thank you for your service and thank you for sharing your life during this interview. At 56:04 - You were NEVER A BUM. Your service was not in vain. You stepped up and fought for the greatest Country on the planet when duty called. You lived a life before you were even able to legally consume alcohol. We love you. Thank you and thank that lovely lady of yours. God bless🙏🏽

[@VictoriaPalapala]

mahalo Darrell} well Nam must been insane..and yet you did..your job alan .. now endless future full of rainbows in skys .. home sweet home alan !

[@7797334]

One of the best interviews on your program thank you and welcome home I take my hat off to you thanks again

[@pbrucpaul]

This guy is going through powerful feelings of the realities of that war. The sad thing was going through the scorn and disinterest of others when they got back due to the power of a media. I can just imagine the overwhelming terror and adrenaline disappearing once you're away from combat, trying to take in normalcy, and getting a nasty "shut up" attitude from others, or changing the subject like getting a bucket of ice water thrown at you. No wonder there was severe PTSD back then, and drug use.

[@danthedewman1]

I think a lot of people didnt ask because they thought the vet didnt want to re -live it...

[@joedoe783]

I really like this guy. A genuine heart, man.

[@rachellewalters8111]

Thank you for your service Allen, and thanks for sharing your story! GOD BLESS

[@ardendorney3174]

Probably the very best interview I’ve heard on this channel and what a brilliant man to be with. Welcome home sir. SEMPER Fidelis

[@Pastagetlosta8682]

Amazing story of bravery.

[@typicaltraveltv6107]

I wish more veterans can go back to Vietnam it's a beautiful country I know everything that happened my grandfather was in Vietnam South Korea my other grandfather was in World War II Vietnam is beautiful and the people there will literally give you stuff that they don't even have just because that's how friendly they are and they want to make sure that you eat and you have things even if they don't same with Filipinos Filipino people or some of the friendliest they all smile they all say hi and one pictures with you they want to talk to you they want to tell you the good places to go to for the beaches and just amazing