Henry Rifle Forums

any VIET NAM vets on here [ AMERICAL 1970 ]

Stan, I know there are vets here. I'm not one, but I'm sure they will chime in.

I was in the USAF 1957 - 1965 but spent my time stateside.

I was in the Navy from 1960 to 1964 and got out of the Navy when Viet Nam was just a being policed by us . I was within 300 miles of Cuba in 1963 with a boat load of Marines during the Cuba crisis waiting for the glow in the sky ....

I was active duty AF starting in 1977, then finished out my career in AF Reserves after 4 years active duty. Just missed Vietnam, but participated in the fun of several other conflicts to include Desert Storm. I was a loadmaster on 141 cargo aircraft, so never saw any real combat. Did get a chance to see a lot of the world first hand.

I joined the USAR in 1972 and ended my career in 1993 after the Persian Gulf. Was also in Germany, Korea, and Honduras
Was a Senior Heavy Truck Driver, Radio Operator/Repair Specialist, Platoon Sgt, NBC NCO, and a Motor Sgt. Enjoyed my time in the service of my country.
Also drove truck during the truckers strike

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I was in the Navy from August 1965 to August 1969, during the height of the Vietnam War. I had graduated from technical school in May of 1965 and my deferment was up. So, I received my draft notice from the Army to report to Fort Jackson South Carolina in October of that year. But, I had a better idea, I was going to join the Marines! I even went to see the Marine Corps recruiter in Allentown, Pa. that summer. If I would be accepted into another branch of the service before my time to report to Fort Jackson, then the Army couldn't get me. But, my father had another idea. He had been a Captain in the 29th Infantry Division during World War II. He was in for four years and had seen war. He said, "you are our only child, please stick around this summer and think about what you will be very likely to be getting yourself into if you go over into that jungle. There is a big bloody war shaping up. Why not consider the Air Force or the Navy." I stuck around that summer and met a real nice girlfriend. I drove my Dodge Dart GT and had a good old time. On August 26, 1965, I reported to Great Lakes Naval Training Center with the U.S. Navy. I have often thought that my father may have well saved my life.

I was drafted into the Army in 1968 and spent 14 months in Vietnam. The battery I served in received two Valorous Unit Citations, a Gallantry Cross Medal Color, with Palm, and a Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, Civil Action Medal, First Class Color, with Palm during the time I was with the unit.

Air Force and Reserves from '73-'80.
Aircraft mechanic on T-29,KC-135, C-123, and C-130.
Still working on planes today!