Wisconsin Vietnam War Stories: Mike Allen

"You were scared, but you couldn't feel scared because it would overtake you."
"We were fighting to get our own selves back home. We had to protect each other to get back."
- Mike Allen
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TRANSCRIPT:
**These oral histories and transcripts may contain language that can be considered profane, racially insensitive or otherwise offensive. The language has been retained to give an accurate historical record of their remarks.**
I was 20-years-old. I was drafted. The Vietnamese called - when they did - they called me the Little Kid. They said, "No, you're that Little Kid. You don't belong here." You know, my government says I do, so.
But the jungles, they were hot. They were muggy with the humidity. You see rain every day. We got rained on every day and we slept in it. We slept in the mud, so we were always wet. As far as clean clothes, I wore my first set for roughly 80 days; 80 days. I only had like four or five changes of clean clothes while I was there.
I carried a hundred pounds. I didn't weigh much more than a hundred pounds; weighed about a hundred twenty, so I carried a hundred pounds. You didn't want to run short in case you hit the shit. I carried a claymore mine, trip flares, three to four smokes, six hand grenades, roughly two thousand rounds of M60 ammo. I carried nine quarts of water and c-rations, and a poncho and C4 for blowing LZs and det cord. So you had to have all that stuff on you, plus my M16 and three bandoliers of M16 ammo, seven magazines to a bandolier.
It was a proud, you know. The company was a proud company and the unit was a proud unit, you know. We were a swing battalion. Wherever the shit was hitting the fan, we had to get to an LZ and get picked up and flown into the hot spot. But it wasn't dull. It was a hell of a camping trip, but very serious, you know.
You know, you kind of looked forward to getting picked up and getting out of the jungle in the helicopter because you knew you were pretty safe. You were secure up there as long as you didn't fall out. But still you were being moved to another area where there was trouble, you know, another shit hole. I have an Air Medal and that's for 25 CAs into an unsecured LZ. I survived long enough to get the Air Medal.
You were scared, but you couldn't feel scared because it would overtake you. You know what I mean? You know they're watching you and you just try to keep your distance between each person. And this way they're not going to get greedy. The gooks always kind of liked to seem like they wanted to get greedy. So they wanted to wait for somebody to bunch up and then if they were going to mess with you then they'd come at you.
I was just another person in the squad up in the mountains in a platoon in the company doing what we did, which was to protect each other. We were fighting because we were thrown in there, and we were fighting to get our own selves back home. We had to protect each other to get back.
I think about it all the time. You know, I got those photographs just to make sure it's not a dream, you know, and it actually took place. It's there. You know, you remember your buddies. You remember what you know, what they did, even though you're not in contact with them all. You know the good times that you had, even the shitty times that you had, you know, over there. But it's a true brother-friendship. Its a bond that don't, you know, ever break.

[@airbrushken5339]

This is the first vet I've listen to who experienced Vietnam like me...I was with the 2/502 Inf, 101st Airborne. We worked the A Shaw Valley area my whole tour. I was told we spent 330 days in the jungle. I never saw a village or a villager.... Same-same for us, except "Lurps" instead of C rations. Hurry, find an LZ and fly to help someone and I carried 7 frags and one WP frag for tunnels... I hope you got lucky as many of my fellow troopers have died from Agent Orange related health issues...I've got cancer, plus heart and three other ones as rated by the VA.... we were fighting for our brothers, not God, Country....

[@davegoffredo5343]

these guys should get presidental pay.

[@purpleheadedwombferretdest5367]

Dave Goffredo and then some

[@_k_a_t]

Honored to hear your story sir. Honored to even breathe the same air as you. - A Wisconsinite

[@themessenger5868]

I just stood up an saluted you and all your pals...and I'm an Australian. "Thankyou" seems grossly insufficient sir. My father was a Army cav vet 1965-1967 stationed in Hue. It's men like you that I spent my life trying to be like...real heroes. I'm 48 now and I'm still trying. God bless you ALL...

[@onemantwohands5224]

Thank you to all who served, your names will all be remembered in time to pass. with all my gratitude! :-)

[@jacobhoffman8610]

patriotism is a good thing man but thats stupid... that doesn't make any sense, are you thanking em for so many of em going and getting killed? cause vietnam wasnt ever any kind of threat to the u.s., it couldn't have hurt you in any way shape or form, fuck we even sunk our own ships in the gulf of tonkin to give our selves reason to go get killed..... you thanking soldiers for being willing to die at the whim of fucking corrupt politicians and corperations.... its sick

[@snipper1ie]

I hope you remember the names of the politicians who sent them into harms way and why were they sent. I've yet to find out why they were sent.

[@grahamlewis2418]

On British Navy . Commando carrier at Subic Bay Naval base 1971 . Met American Marines in the E.M club there . Heading out to Nam . I often wonder did they return home to there there family's i hope so yet a lot did not a heart felt shame . Have flash backs when i hear Barry McGuire's Eve of Destruction . Have a lot of respect for the Yankee Marine and G'i great people

[@eamonryan8738]

Simoz FPV uav: Will they though?

[@MissMaria1988]

You white americans with ancestors from all over Europe whats the point with all these wars? I dont get it. Still dont get it.. its worse then ever today. Why do you think you need to make this planet all yours? Whats the point... its all tragedy. Ine, norway

[@superbert35]

Heck of a thing for a 20 yr old kid to have to deal with,going to war like that.

[@angusmctavish8978]

Welcome home Brother. I was 5'8" and weighed 130 lbs. My load was just a bit lighter. Even at night it was hot as hell and humid. 525 MIG, 574th MID, TM 42, Vinh Long

[@felixmadison5736]

I was 20 years-old and about 5'6", 125 pounds. I hung in for 6 months before a mortar round sent me home in December of 1969. No good memories of Vietnam.

[@JonnyH123]

Thank you "Little Kid" for answering the call of your nation. Your bravery and sacrifices for us all, I'm unable to put into words the sense of gratitude that we have soldiers such as yourself, to put their lives on the line, so that we may live in freedom. God bless.

[@organic4050]

+Chris Helf We don't live in freedom and this was an injust war sir.

[@tienglongmy]

no war against communism is unjust

[@bradfaunce9567]

+Alonzo Lewis well, we're free enough for you to say stuff like what you decided to post here buddy

[@matthewd667]

Jon K Helf this war was for nothing. It's why nam vets are so messed up because they know it's tantamount to war crimes

[@azolioeroach3253]

shred blue Is that so? Well then, why don't you tell us "what's REALLY out there", besides the X-files!

[@jamesmcdade3999]

I was a tunnel RAT 1966 to 1968 .then I lost my to legs to a I.d. ten kills

[@Lakarak]

damn

[@NS1.]

+James Mcdade - wow, if you wouldn't mind sharing, we would all love to hear some stories. My father was drafted when he was 19, was there in 68-69. He was a 'radio operator', so he didn't see any action. His tent with all the radio stuff was in a fairly secure area, however there were mortars going off sometimes. Think he said he was in Ben Luc. edit: Wait a sec, Ben Luc was a Naval Base, but my dad was drafted in the Army. I'm 99% sure he said "It was called 'Ben Luck' where I was at." So, so I have it wrong, or is it possible to have someone in the army in a Naval base? Sorry if that's a dumb question.

[@88pie88]

(X) Doubt

[@bandccoresohio]

James Mcdade thank u for your service sir very sorry for your loss

[@klanhit7141]

Hard to believe but if you're really telling the truth then I apologize and thank you for your service brother 🇺🇸

[@FumblsTheSniper]

Helluva camping trip

[@leichex5609]

It sounds like a nightmare. Thank you for everything that you did and sharing your story. Way to many critics on here talking about something they know nothing about from the comfort of their living room. I'm thrilled you made it home safe, I know far to many Vietnam vets that never truly made it home. Stay safe.

[@jerrydeanswanson79]

Thanks for your service! We are proud!

[@wilhard45]

Welcome home, brother. Sgt USMC, 1st Marine Division, Danang 1968,

[@navycorpsman744]

wilhard45 Semper Fi Marine! 2/9, '67-'68. Dong Ha and points south.

[@Willy650707]

wilhard45 Semper Fi

[@frankhoney3441]

words will never do you Justice,may the Lord bless you

[@everydayabovegroundisagood1693]

It was an honor listening to you sir and thank you for your service.

[@marcofink638]

A Big Men ...... He was young and must go in this Dirty War. Good Job Soldier. Thanks for Served

[@Tonybmw1988]

Marco Fink are you actually a us citizen?

[@masculist1019]

Yes. He be.

[@mauritsheesbeen9211]

Many twinty years peoples don't even know what is going around the world 🗺. They playing with the phones. This man plays with his life for freedom. Thank you for the great service you have given. Thanks for the freedom. From the Netherlands 🇳🇱

[@MandenTV]

Around my age. This is why I try to never complain. I tried to enlist but found out I'm medically ineligible. You compare guys like little kid to the average 20 year old now and you'll become extremely sad.

[@dannywalls343]

God Bless our Veterans, and thank you for your service.

[@davegoffredo5343]

how can I buy this guy dinner????

[@tayninh69]

Welcome home brother, 1st Cav Tay Ninh 69 & 70

[@1337fraggzb00N]

Hooah! Thank you for your service, Sir!

[@tayninh69]

1337fraggzb00N Thank you, I really appreciate that.

[@brendancleary1699]

what was your experience

[@slothinatorphillips5931]

jay dee any stories you wanna share?

[@TheNomadWandering]

Thank you for what you did. I appreciate it. Sorry our country let you all down.

[@rudolphferdinand3634]

Vietnam! I wasn't in the infantry, but Vietnam was not a good thing to me. I landed at DaNang on the twelveth of November 1970; I was 18. I joined the US Army at seventeen, and by the end of 1970, I would be sitting in Vietnam. I had already done a tour in Korea, 13 months; after my completion of my tour in Korea, I was assigned to Fort Ord, California my home of record. I did not like Ft. Ord, so I ask to be sent to Vietnam, the Army said, "we can fulfill that request." Vietnam bad memories! Today, I am 66; Vietnam seems as though it was a dream so long ago.

[@jennijesi]

"It´s a bond that you´ve ever break". Amazing man.

[@marcoceccarelli6415]

This is why you stand up for the national anthem to respect this man and many like him. They are the guys who are the true American Heroes

[@davidthomas1101]

All my respect to all the guys how served being the son of an Australian vet from Korea & Vietnam I seen the shit you guys went through when you got home I hope you all are treated with respect these days 🇦🇺👍

[@michaelterry1000]

It seems so futile to say but, Thank You for your service.

[@mountainmangaming263]

Thanks for your service. Welcome home

[@bigfootbillunknown9511]

Thanks brother & welcome home.

[@shitbox7413]

You sir are are a way better man than I ever could be, thank you for your service. 👍🏻

[@marinadelrey4102]

Thank you for ur service. I can’t imagine being a young man, starting ur life into adulthood and being drafted into a situation like the Vietnam war.

[@D84D]

Thank you for your service Mr. Allen. My father was a great man. Mr. Dunham was born Nov. 9, 1941, in Klamath Falls, Ore., and was a high school graduate. Mr. Dunham served in the U.S. Army from August 1967 to August 1970. He was stationed in Vietnam in 1968-1969 in the 1st Calvary. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with two O/S Bars, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device 1960. He was an expert with the M-16 and a sharpshooter with the M-14. He served in the Alaska Army National Guard from 1971 until his retirement in July 2000. A life member of VFW Post 9785 in Eagle River, Mr. Dunham had served as a past commander of that post and served as the VFW State Surgeon in 2003-2004. He was also president of the Alaska Veterans Memorial Museum, a member of the American Legion and a member of Elks Lodge 2682.

[@deere3321]

What you went through reminds me of what my dad went through in the pacific. He fought in the battle of Peleliu, a lesser known battle in WWII, but one of the fiercest. Thanks for your service.

[@tommymagnusson]

Thank you for great service. God Bless you

[@blarplebarp6465]

i've never been in a war, let alone the army, but from what i've heard, after a while, it becomes less and less about fighting for your country, and more and more of making sure that you and your men mke it home safely

[@TTundragrizzly]

Thanks for sharing and fighting for our freedom. Respect brother.

[@goat165]

Thank you Mr. Allen for your service! It is men like you that make america a great place to live.

[@susan.ascroft.1567]

God bless all of those young men who were there ..you deserve all respect ,and you were very brave ,all of you were .god bless you All.

[@erinchapman8861]

I love these stories and these men are definitely brave and extraordinary. I have a hard time thanking them , due to the nature of their assignments and the government who charged these men with fighting a war that was not defending our lands or people and turned out , didn’t do a whole lot of good for the country of Vietnam . I have a hard time defending or extending gratitude for those who give and take orders in today’s totally unjust wars. My father is a veteran of 25years and I’ve explained this to him and he has the same moral conflict . He’s always had it. I don’t know,!i love the stories of the men and women who serve I just wish they had a government who cared as much for them as they do for their country .

[@Dennnis10B]

A sincere Thank You from Denis Bourgeois.....Calgary Alberta Canada...

[@oldman9843]

I know you didn't get it when you got back and it's been a long time but Thank You & Welcome Home .

[@stoneblue1795]

Great presentation, it would be interesting to hear more.

[@TheJasonCombee76]

When I was in the Marines in mid 90's as an Infantryman we would always bitch and complain about being out in the bush training.. Then we would think and talk about Vietnam Grunts like this and stop bitching.. We always admired the Vietnam guys because it was out parents generation. The Grunts in Nam had it very very difficult, different wars than WW2. The Vietnam guys were hard core and tough as hell.

[@PaulSvk84]

TheJasonCombee76 I would think about the same thing while training in the field or while on foot patrol in Iraq. They had it real bad.

[@bentolleson8582]

Thank you for your service. I just wanted to let you know there are people that are grateful for what you did back then

[@Grayman58]

Thankyou mike for your service i hope things are ok maybe i can buy you a beer somday

[@scottyoung7852]

Thank you!!! All gave some.... some gav all god bless them all!!!

[@10003beemer]

thank for sharing

[@timp3035]

God Bless Our Veterans!!!

[@joen.8364]

Glad you made it home 101.

[@greensombrero3641]

Incredible, thank you for sharing your story. You are a true hero to the USA

[@sofakingcool1830]

a true American hero thank you for your service

[@danmanafro2010]

There's no heros in war child

[@Mightymerc1]

Thanks for your service, and for sharing your story. Got nothing but respect for you.

[@robkeeley3823]

Thank you for your service sir

[@scottsimmons7897]

Wow! Great, amazing photos and story. Some of the best photos I've seen of to compliment the experience.

[@FVever]

Great and immense RESPECT 🙏🏻❤️🇺🇸🇫🇷

[@dianegoodwin1981]

wow i could sit and listen to his stories all day

[@bulldog8064]

Welcome home. Respect.

[@Skyrilla]

Thank you for your service.

[@Docsjeff]

Can’t thank you guys enough!

[@vietnamwarreenacting1019]

Incredible! Thank you so much my friend. RESPECT!

[@Egosftw1495]

This guy sounds Canadian

[@timothyhudson7999]

Thanks for being a vet.

[@whiplash8277]

Sorry I'm late to the game, but thank you for your service. My family and all Americans owe you and yours our undying gratitude. Vaya con Dios.

[@Iamreallyspecial1]

Thank you for the personal story. It doesn’t more real than this.

[@adamcoyne230]

Thank you mike.

[@jesseascriven]

An amazing man. Thank you!

[@jettoutlaw3700]

Riveting, Bro...I'm fascinated with that war and this was some good stuff. Thanks.

[@northernsurvivalbackcountr4986]

That's a camping trip you'll never forget respect bro

[@cia4393]

My grandpas brother got lost in New Mexico with no trace and they found a guy named joe Trujillo who might of been my grandpas brother but we will never now cause he went missing in Vietnam

[@etom2511]

That photo of you is priceless

[@chrisr326]

The endurance of infantry in war is mind boggling. They go out for months, filthy, wet, sleep deprived. Amazing people

[@alcastro4909]

Thank you for your service !!!

[@cutwater1965]

Thanks for sharing. God bless.

[@TheGodYouWishYouKnew]

Thank you for posting this.

[@jesserivas1387]

Thank you so much for your service. And welcome home!

[@tinbadge]

Welcome Home! Thank You!

[@armymastersgt]

2000 rounds of M60 ammo alone weighs over 100 pounds........maybe he meant to say 200 rounds, that' s normally what a grunt carries for the M60 Gunner.........we carried a lot less than a normal Grunt carried. K Co 75th Inf Reg (Ranger)69-70

[@recarnatedkronor4806]

armymastersgt remember that let wanted you loaded

[@richardmason902]

Glad you got back home. Thank you for posting.

[@pamwawrzyniec597]

Thank you for your service I know so many of you guys my husband to was in

[@harold9061]

Suddenly everyone on youtube is Vietnam vet.

[@BeverlyBirgenheier]

I proudly live with a Navy Veteran who served on the Wilson

[@h0lm1]

The patch he is wearing at 3:20 isnt that the 101 Screaming Eagles? Thank you for sharing your story.

[@FSEVENMAN]

Thanks

[@CP-wf4or]

Thank you for all you did for our country.

[@YouTubeDeletesGoodComments]

I met this guy in Far Cry 5. For real though, God bless our troops, and veterans.

[@JohnyParanormal]

Well done mate !

[@reedwacker2090]

Thanks Mr. Allen. Glad you made it out. Reed

[@nmartin5551]

Welcome home soldier. Thank you for your service.

[@ronluckenbach9492]

Thanks for that...simply and poignantly told.. like most guys there, you were fighting for your squad brothers and to get home in one piece..Glad you made it back...hope the guys in the pics with you got home too .

[@travisguy6044]

Thankyou for ur services..

[@5ch4rn]

Unexpectedly powerful. Thanks for that.

[@michaelpatuto10]

thank You Brother

[@toddboden972]

Thank you for your service brother!!

[@lynnpalmer4674]

❤❤bless you for your dedicated service

[@Seth-mu9sf]

God bless you brother!

[@haltomont1012]

Well done Mike

[@neilbowman573]

God damn right. Eternal gratitude.

[@haleloi3018]

I can relate. The desert is a hellish place...full of spiders, snakes and scorpions. U had to be as carful w them as w enemy soldiers. The elements as well can take a life.

[@DavidEarle-vx2mb]

We love you man- another nam vet God speed

[@daves6940]

Massive respect from 🇬🇧

[@crashburn3292]

"It was a hell of a camping trip." - I've camped all my life. I don't think that's the same kind of camping.

[@dobermanpac1064]

Thanks for your service. oorah!