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5,694 comments

  2. Gary, I was there from July of 1970 to Jan or Fed of 1971. I would like to get the records on that if its possible. My DD-214 only says I was there in vietnam but gives no details other wise. Could anyone lead me to where I could get a copy of my records as to the unit while I was there? I do recall that when I came back from overseas I gave my papers to the HQ at Fort Bragg when I returned and that is the last time I saw any records. But I do know this, I was with the Charlie Company. Thanks

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  4. Thank you Bill, and I hope to continue this endevaor with others. I remember a time at Kham Duc when I went out on patrol and we flew out on choppers to an open LZ and did a check of the surrounding area looking for any signs of NVA or VC presents. Just about the time it got dark we took what I think to be friendly mortar fire wounding one of the guys and had to evacuate him before we even got over that 1st ridge and continue on the patrol. May somebody might remember that incident. Can’t remember with who!

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  8. I am proud to have served with all the men in the C/2/1. I arrived at Kham-Duc around July 14, 1970. I think the malaria fogged my brains memory from that time period and my 1st wife burned my pictures while we were separated before the divorce. I am having to use my 2nd wife’s computer and email address untill I get mine fixed. She says I should file under the crazy clause for veterans. I remember the guys in the photos. I would like to here from Roger Carey, I think he was from Vermont. Thanks for this web site.

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  9. TOOCH, File your claim through a certified service officer, they know how to properly fill out the papers and what the VA is looking for. I used Service Officers from the Illinois Dept of Vets and the VFW. In Florida I used the County Service Officer (Pinellas County). Some service officers are better than others and “Certified” service officer’s go to school to learn how to file claim’s etc. Find a “Vet Center” that has monthly meetings for Nam Vets with PTSD, you will meet guys that can help you. Good Luck.

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  12. Guys! I got in contact with a soldier who is from C/2/1 named John Carey and he mentions his hootch mate at Kham Duc as being Roger Carey. Anyone recognize these names? If you do let me know and I will put you in touch with John.

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    1. Clay and others,
      On Aug. 26, 1970 I was inches below the cart-wheeling rotor blade when it hit the trooper behind me, breaking his shoulder, and killing the soldier behind him. I have a photo of the rotor piece and met the man behind me in St. Louis a couple of years ago.
      My heart broke once again when I heard about the Chinook in Afghanistan and the similar loss to what we survived.
      Paul Rosteck

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  15. After D 2/1’s disaster (which by the way killed a C Co trooper when the rotor cartwheeled up the hill and hit him, the battlalion policy was changed to not allow Chinooks to carry troops into combat areas. The only Chinook I rode on was from Tam Ky to Chu Lai when we were catching ships to go to Hue where we caught trucks to go on up to the DMZ. A senior officer today said they use Chinooks for these kind of missions all the time. Sounds like they are using Seals and Rangers for what would have been common grunt duty back in our day.

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  16. Fred Chinn, the host of the reunion in Killeen asked me to have everyone that is attending the reunion to please let him or Poncho know how many are attending so they can do planning for transportation and food for the reunion. Fred said that so far there are only 10 rooms booked. I know of myself, Ed Davis, LT, Wally, and Ben that have rooms so far.
    We are just a little over one month away, so it’s not too soon for grunts to start planning.

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  18. unreal–41 years after D-2/1 lost a whole platoon to a chinook shot down–26 aug 70–and the army still hasn`t figured out chinooks are too big a target for certain missions

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  19. I was just raised on my total disability for a number of issues from 30% to 80%. It took one year from date of filing to go through the process. After one year, I followed up and was told they have eighteen months to make a decision. I got back pay for some issues which I had filed in 2001 and they had denied. Stay on it and as Bill says keep copies and start following up if know word is received after a few months. Good luck.

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  21. Hi Tooch…The most important thing with the VA is to send everything certified, return receipt requested. Keep two copies of everything. It is not unusual to wait several years but you will get back pay from the time you filed. A CIB is evidence that you were exposed to combat. It would be better to also have a letter from someone who witnessed you being in the bush during some form of enemy action where you were afraid for your life. I don’t get anything for PTSD because I already am 100% service- connected for shrapnel wounds and diabetic neuropathy……I think most of us have PTSD to one extent or another….. All we have to do is ask our wives….Good luck with your claim!

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    1. Thanks for the feedback Bill. After being divorced for 30+ years, my ex still talks about the ptsd issue. Tooch

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    2. Letters from those who’ve known you since the war are invaluable too. That’s especially true of letters from parents, siblings, spouses, kids, co-workers: Anyone who can attest to the issues you’ve had since the war.
      With a CIB, you do not have to prove to the VA that you were in combat. You only have to prove that it had a deleterous effect on you and personal narratives about your struggles are solid gold.

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  22. Chuck,
    Killeen is not too far from the home of that good stuff. Maybe I can arrange a trip to the hospitality house and see how hospitable they really are. I assume you are planning on attending? I haven’t seen you since Hilton Head.

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  24. Chuck
    That makes me feel alot better. But do they issue parachutes? Hope it cools down by
    then the plane tires might stick to the runway.

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  30. I got plane tickets today for the reunion, be there Thursday and leave Sunday. It’s the
    first time I’ve been on a plane since 1970.

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    1. Hello Wally, Tom Virden here.What have you been upto for the last 40 years. Obviously I haven’t kept in touch with anyone for the last 40 years but I do check in on this website every once in awhile.I’m living in Missouri, retired enjoying golf, fishing, grandkids etc.etc.
      Anyway, Hello and hope everything is going good for you.
      Tom

      Reply

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