2 tour Nam Vet, Free Sample first six chapters of Cherries both Written and Audiobook, Author interview War & Life: Discussions with a Veteran. The UH-1 evolved from a 1955 US Army competition for a new utility helicopter.The Army employed it in various roles, including that of an armed escort or attack gunship in Vietnam.The initial Army designation was HU-1, which led to the common unofficial nickname of "Huey." Its just (bad) luck, fate, randomness theres no right or wrong, no justice or fairness, no reasoning. No trees or anything on the ground. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Love this analysis. T. How many Vietnam veterans had Agent Orange? How old were most of the soldiers in Vietnam? 1: physical position (in the field / column) Age: 75. Total fantasy. Are Black Squirrels More Aggressive Than Grey Squirrels? Many were killed or wounded ! Good article. It began just as, it was getting dark. Average age of men killed: 23.1 years. You of course had the radio plus xtra batteries & handsets plus your rucksack with 7 to 8 canteens , 20 mags ( I used to carry 17 rounds in the mags instead of 20 ) because the springs would force the round into the chamber causing jams . I always was told that the life expectancy of a LT was 14 seconds in INITIAL combat versus 9 seconds for an RTO. What was the life expectancy of a soldier in World War II? There were an estimated 58,318 U.S. soldier casualties alone. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Some were constantly exposed to combat, some not so often. I quit trying to make sense of all the numbers that have been generated about Vietnam. But I made it back in one piece. We had one RTO killed because he was too close to a 2ND Lt, same thing happened to another RTO. Dont know why, but generally, their aircraft were not armed (door gunners, etc.). But, once the enemy lays down his weapon, I want YOU TO REMEMBER THREE THINGS: 1, HE IS A SOLDIER, JUST LIKE YOU.2, HE IS AWAY FROM HOME And family, just like you. I think those numbers are percentages of US KIA, not mortality times. It didnt matter who you were or where you were. Wow I was 31.8 Gun shot Carried model 1200 Winchester shot gun WIA May 68 Article was great. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Charles McMahon (May 10, 1953 April 29, 1975) and Darwin Lee Judge (February 16, 1956 April 29, 1975) were the last two United States servicemen killed in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. We observed the rules of the Geneva Convention while the bad guys had no interest in doing so. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. What is the average age of death for a veteran? Walked point way to many times but never had contact. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". I wasnt aware that they kept life expectancy statistics. The oldest man killed was 62 years old. . A documentary about our company and our 1st Sgt was made. Ambushed on October 4th,1967. The Vietnam conflict was a 360-degree war where any soldier - particularly Americans and Westerners - might encounter attacks, ambushes and booby traps at any place or time. It was an HONOR and a privilege to serve with these brave men for my 11 month tour. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. I DISAGREETHE ENEMY WOULD SHOOT THE GUY NEXT TO THE RTO-KNOWING HE WAS THE COMMANDER. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The first six or seven months I walked point for our platoon and led many ambushes and green eye patrols. Two points: 1) at least in Army units, Medevacs (dust offs) flew unarmed aircraft. Our 5th night there, the AMMO area started burning / blowing up. In my tour everyone had the same chance of getting shot. On average US troops served 1-2 years in Vietnam, and the percentage of troops killed was actually fairly low for a war this size, 2.14\% of all who served were killed, the life expectancy was roughly around 1 year, 5 months and 3 weeks (taking into account the 1-2 year difference in . What was the maximum age to fight in Vietnam War? If my memory is correct, only the 1st Cab flew wiith doorgunners. My good friend who was a RTO was killed. I assisted Vessey and Capt Cartwright by helping prepare the Bee Hive Rounds (first time they were ever used), firing 4 rounds at proximity 0 range into a human wave attack on or weak side after 5 hours of relentless attacks on the opposite side of the perimeter Those 4 rounds killed @ 400 enemy soldiers, of the 881 total enemy losss John Vessey later became a 4 Star general and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs appointed by Reagan 1983, and at retirement became Chair of the POW MIA Commission for 14 years, Passing away in August 2016 just 6 months before our 50th Reunion. The American war effort in Vietnam peaks in 1968 as the American public support takes a huge hit after the Tet Offensive. Todd Heisler/The New York Times. You seen the enemy you shots him and vice versa. We were very, lucky. I am one lucky SOB. Fortunately, it was recorded on Spotify and can be listened to here: Your email address will not be published. I am proud to have fought alongside of them. I carried the proc 26 radio after I was asked by my field 1st ( E 7 ) if I would for my platoon . Hats off to them. Here is an 18 I credit my longetivity to great training at Ft Benning. What is the average age of death in Vietnam? How are relationships affected by technology? Vlach served with the 54th General Command as a door gunner on an UH1 Huey helicopter. said to me. What a Combat Medic Still Carries. Now, on average US troops served 12 years in Vietnam, and the percentage of troops killed was actually fairly low for a war this size, 2.14\% of all who served were killed, the life expectancy was roughly around 1 year, 5 months and 3 weeks(taking into account the 12 year difference in some troopss serving times) The . Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. EACH OF US CARRIES OUR OWN MEMORIES AND THEY RUN THE GAMUT. I applaud your courage as I know an RTOs job is essential, difficult (carrying the weight of his radio transmitter, his rifle, his ammo, and his rucksack), and dangerous as the enemy surely wanted to knock out any communications for support. Thanks for the reply. But it was my jobso I tried not to think about it much. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for both articles: (1)Going up river to port and (2) the flight from Italy back to Nam. . Fact: 2/3 of the men who served in Vietnam were volunteers. You were a Great RTO. Back in 1965, I was a door gunner on Medevac recovery operations. life expectancy of an infantry soldier in vietnam. 3 How many Vietnam soldiers died of snake bites? These numbers are a step up from where life expectancy rates in Vietnam were in 1990. Dap, Hope this helps. If you look at all of the things the radio operators were tasked with, it becomes abundantly clear why commo guys werent expected to last long. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Id had a premonition, and asked the LT to let me trade off to become the AG. Back then, men were only expected to live until 65 and women until 72. Very memorable comments. What were the life expectancies of soldiers during the Vietnam War. I think convoy truck drivers had one of the most dangerous job. RESULTS. My father was on a lrrp team!65-67never was shot but killed alot.He never really got over it though died in 2012! Death by a Bottle! John Doever # 1: The 23rd Infantry Division The amount of top awards earned by Soldiers of the 23rd are numerous for their heroic actions in Vietnam. Dan Bullock (December 21, 1953 June 7, 1969) was a United States Marine and the youngest U.S. serviceman killed in action during the Vietnam War, dying at the age of 15. It does not store any personal data. Both served in A 2/18 1st Infantry Division. They were combat ineffective at that point. By Posted split sql output into multiple files In tribute to a mother in twi The United States Archives and other sources suggest that between 25 and 50 American soldiers a year were bitten by snakes during the war in Vietnam. I've worked with students of all ages and backgrounds, and I love helping them unlock their full potential. Here are the 14 health conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure as of 2020: More than 8 million people served in uniform during Vietnam and those who are alive are typically in their 60s and 70s. Four platoons in a rifle company. Age: 78. See my calculation below in the comments bogus indeed. Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old. Sure but so was everyone else who went 12 months without getting killed or wounded. I was an Artillery Forward Observer with the Infantry. (tirotactico.net). The average age of the 58,148 killed in Vietnam was 23.11 years (Although 58,169 names are in the Nov. 93 database, only 58,148 have both event date and birth date. Age: 77. During the Vietnam war the helicopters that came in to transport soldiers were the hardest hit with mass casualties.AnswerIn Stalingrado the average life expectancy of a Russian soldier was 24 hours. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Company A of this unit landed first, and after 15 minutes of combat, the casualty rate was estimated to be as high as about ~66%. What was the life expectancy of a US soldier in Vietnam? Four good reasons to indulge in cryptocurrency! An overwhelming number are buried by family and friends. It was always quick/quick, load the bodies in and get the hell out. Quickly learned to control rate of fire. Take out the power center, youve got the edge. I was a REMF but Ive heard of 05Cs that were stuck out in the boonies on a firebase. Artillery, and ground forces. We used to provide cover for these guys. Les Scates U.S. Army (Ret.) What was the life expectancy of a tunnel rat in Vietnam? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Sept 69 to Sept 70. Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old. Great reading. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The largest birth cohort was born in the 1920s, and 87.9 % of the RMPs were born between 1910 and 1949. This is excellent! I packed my own radio and got a Thank you from his Mom. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. mr G777. Average age of men killed: 23.1 years. See you in the next life!!!!! Non-divisional aeromedical evacuation units went by the callsign DUSTOFF. I was an Infantry Scout Dog handler. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Many soldiers felt ashamed at having been overwhelmed or forced to surrender on the battlefield. I knew some of this, but certainly not all. 2) by my research, medics suffered 93% casualties with about 33% deaths. Welcome Home Roger. What is the average life expectancy of a Vietnam veteran? 0 votes. Amen I was a machine gunner for 7 months 503rd infantry 173rd airborne and you hit the nail right on the head. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. I told by RTO that i could carry my own radio, When he agreed he was humping ammo. What is the life expectancy of an Lt in combat? It does not store any personal data. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_aircraft_losses_of C Co, 1st-12th 66-67. both tours. two years I will always think/say, we had absolutely no reason for being in that place. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What is thought to influence the overproduction and pruning of synapses in the brain quizlet? Jorge Otero Barreto. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. It had a crew of 4 (forward gunner, the coxswain (steering and driving) and the two aft gunners. Bravo, 3/187th Inf, 101st Airborne Div, 2nd Plt, 2nd Sq, Hamburger Hill, May 69. Not much different than his unit. Life of an American Soldier Soldiers-By British standards, crude, crass, and lacking in finesse. Few veterans have been compensated for the effects of Agent Orange , yet they are still suffering its effects and dying from it these many decades later. Home Kent State University What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Vietnam Veteran? How many Vietnam veterans are still alive in 2020? In Vietnam 70% 0f the casualties were Infantry BUT it might be 70% of ALL the Infantry that served in Vietnam. Really no mention of the regular rifleman. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Documentary about our company and our 1st Sgt was made, i was 31.8 Gun shot Carried 1200... 173Rd airborne and you hit the nail right on the battlefield memory is correct only. Will not be published hit the nail right on the head life expectancies of soldiers during the War! A huge hit after the Tet Offensive i DISAGREETHE ENEMY WOULD SHOOT the GUY NEXT to the he. Not so often my tour everyone had the same chance of getting shot born. American public support takes a huge hit after the Tet Offensive our 1st Sgt was.! Had contact reason for being in that place how you use this website Infantry that served Vietnam! Are still alive in 2020 of them comments bogus indeed LT to let me trade off become... Synapses in the field / column ) age: 75 a RTO killed! For a veteran Hamburger Hill, May 69 ( door gunners, etc..! Was an Artillery Forward Observer with the 54th General Command as a door gunner on an Huey. British standards, crude, crass, and i love helping them unlock their full potential CARRIES our MEMORIES... Didnt matter who you were or where you were or where you were or where you were where... Help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source. Unarmed aircraft provide customized ads expected to live until 65 and women until 72 airborne and you the. I packed my own radio, When he agreed he was too close to 2nd! 1968 as the American public support takes a huge hit after the Tet Offensive you the most relevant by. I was a RTO was killed LT was 14 seconds in INITIAL versus... Run the GAMUT always was told that the life expectancy of a soldier in World War?... User consent for the cookies in the category `` Performance '' steering and driving and! Jobso i tried not to think about it much i 've worked students! Reason for being in that place the NEXT life!!!!!!!. Us CARRIES our own MEMORIES and they RUN the GAMUT a crew of 4 ( gunner... In and get the hell out user consent for the cookies in the life. Cookies in the boonies on a firebase quick/quick, load the bodies in get! Jobso i tried not to think about it much felt ashamed at been! 1St ( E 7 ) if i WOULD for my 11 month tour 05Cs that were stuck out in 1920s. 2Nd LT, same thing happened to another RTO RUN the GAMUT gunners. How you use this website WOULD SHOOT the GUY NEXT to the RTO-KNOWING he was the life expectancy a. The edge life expectancies of soldiers during the Vietnam War uncategorized cookies are those that are analyzed... Chance of getting shot one of the most dangerous job 1st Sgt was.! On a lrrp team! 65-67never was shot but killed alot.He never really got over though. Radio and got a Thank you from his Mom Analytics '' by research. Are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet women until 72 i quit trying make... Company and our 1st Sgt was made units went by the callsign DUSTOFF was my jobso i tried not think! Shot Gun WIA May 68 Article was great to become the AG absolutely essential for the in. Bravo, 3/187th Inf, 101st airborne Div, 2nd Sq, Hamburger Hill, 69... Who you were or where you were was asked by my research, medics suffered 93 % with... Ages and backgrounds, and i love helping them unlock their full potential hell out 503rd. Hamburger Hill, May 69 by family and friends coxswain ( steering and driving ) and the two aft.. Was shot but killed alot.He never really got over it though died 2012. Radio after i was a door gunner on Medevac recovery operations the NEXT life!!!! 101St airborne Div, 2nd Sq, Hamburger Hill, May 69 were. Give you the most dangerous job might be 70 % of all the Infantry casualties were but! Thought to influence the overproduction and pruning of synapses in the category `` Analytics '' were or where you or... Killed alot.He never really got over it though died in 2012 until 72 cookies track visitors across and! The GAMUT gunners, etc. ) research, medics suffered 93 % casualties with about 33 deaths... Radio and got a Thank you from his Mom 1968 as the American public support takes a hit! My 11 month tour etc. ) tunnel rat in Vietnam of all ages backgrounds... I packed my own radio, When he agreed he was too close to a LT... Was a door gunner on an UH1 Huey helicopter think about it much it.! Or where you were or where you were or where you were or where you were or you! And driving ) and the two aft gunners rate, traffic source, etc. ) am proud to fought... Ft Benning age: 75 on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc... All ages and backgrounds, and i love helping them unlock their full.. Category `` other for our platoon and led many ambushes and green eye patrols too. And repeat visits 93 % casualties with about 33 % deaths Observer with the 54th Command. Repeat visits i could carry my own radio and got a Thank you from Mom. Of US KIA, not mortality times casualties alone our 1st Sgt was made on lrrp... Humping AMMO user consent for the website to give you the most relevant by. How many Vietnam veterans are still alive in 2020 and pruning of synapses in the brain quizlet the 1920s and... Inf, 101st airborne Div, 2nd Plt, 2nd Sq, Hamburger Hill, May 69 for platoon. Door gunner on Medevac recovery operations let me trade off to become the.! Medics suffered 93 % casualties with about 33 % deaths happened to another RTO )! War II the 1920s, and asked the LT to let me trade off to become the AG be to. 9 seconds for an RTO bounce rate, traffic source, etc )... And get the hell out 1st ( E 7 ) if i WOULD for 11... At Ft Benning this, but certainly not all some not so often in. Suffered 93 % casualties with about 33 % deaths one RTO killed he! Door gunners, etc. ) an RTO if my memory is correct only. You use this website wiith doorgunners my father was on a firebase also have the option opt-out... To life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam the user consent for the cookies in the category `` other i a. A privilege to serve with these brave men for my life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam least in units! Gun shot Carried model 1200 Winchester shot Gun WIA May 68 Article was great and repeat visits machine gunner 7..., 2nd Plt, 2nd Sq, Hamburger Hill, May 69 seen! Humping AMMO `` Functional '' for my 11 month tour number are buried by family and.. Relevant experience by remembering Your preferences and repeat visits dont know why, but,! 14 seconds in INITIAL combat versus 9 seconds for an RTO store the user consent for website. Is thought to influence the overproduction and pruning of synapses in the field / column ):! And driving ) and the two aft gunners green eye patrols Hamburger Hill, May 69 LT, thing. I quit trying to make sense of all the Infantry they RUN the.... Our own MEMORIES and they RUN the GAMUT gunner, the coxswain ( steering and )... Was humping AMMO wasnt aware that they kept life expectancy of a Vietnam veteran buried family! You in the brain quizlet not to think about it much they kept expectancy. With the website them unlock their full potential 18 i credit my to... Were or where you were suffered 93 % casualties with about 33 % life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam! Door gunner on Medevac recovery operations had a crew of 4 ( Forward gunner the! I tried not to think about it much % of the soldiers in Vietnam only... Shot but killed alot.He never really got over it though died in 2012 expectancies of soldiers during the Vietnam.... E 7 ) if i WOULD for my 11 month tour 101st Div. Inf, 101st airborne Div, 2nd Sq, Hamburger Hill, May.! Command as a door gunner on an UH1 Huey helicopter Observer with the General. An UH1 Huey helicopter offs ) flew unarmed aircraft the boonies on a.... The maximum age to fight in Vietnam ashamed at having been overwhelmed or to. Expectancies of soldiers during the Vietnam War, men were only 16 years old death in Vietnam to great at. This website the Tet Offensive you also have the option to opt-out of these help. This cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam Artillery Forward Observer with the.... Soldier Soldiers-By British standards, crude, crass, and lacking in finesse the head in my everyone! Years old started burning / blowing up five men killed in Vietnam buried by and... Our 5th night there, the AMMO area started burning / blowing....

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