I had cause last week to question three Viet Nam veterans in Easton about their perspectives about Veterans Day on Nov. 11 and its meaning to them. All three are friends of mine who spoke candidly and passionately about a war that forever marked their lives.
Their emotional reactions surprised—and impressed me. I quickly understood that our national holiday, often celebrated with parades and lofty remarks, meant something visceral to them. They openly grieved the loss of young lives in a faraway country scarcely known until the United States committed military forces in an internal civil war.
These three men served commendably and then gained success in their personal and professional lives. More than 58,000 other soldiers left their futures in Southeast Asia. They came home to national and private cemeteries; some who returned exhibited physical and emotional wounds treated by doctors and time.
One of the three— all of whom generously offered me time to query them—talked about a serious hand wound that rendered his right hand almost useless. Shrapnel had invaded his hand. His combat wounds required evacuation and subsequently three weeks in a MASH unit before being flown home.
When this friend, an infantry platoon leader during the war, was rotating out of the Army at Ft. Dix, NJ, a military doctor looked at his damaged hand and offered him a 45 percent disability. He could not even sign his approval. Instead, another soldier, unknown to my friend and working in the clinic, intervened and arranged for my friend to receive three weeks of additional therapy.
He regained use of his hand. His wound was no longer disabling.
This man earned a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart. Another one of the three people whom I interviewed earned two Bronze Stars for valor; he also had been wounded twice. He arrived in Viet Nam as a Private First Class and left 13 months later as a Sergeant.
The latter friend said he thought he was “the only 6’3” guy who could fold himself up and get inside his helmet when things became difficult.” Humorous comment with an edge.
A common theme among the three veterans was the opportunity to serve with, and respect people who came into military service with educational and economic backgrounds far different and detached than theirs. This is a common refrain that I have heard for years.
A third friend, a young officer in Viet Nam, spoke about developing a close relationship with his driver. Of the three veterans, he was the one most animated about serving with men who grew up with none of his advantages. He treasured that experience. He fully appreciated the Army as a great leveler.
Our conversation could easily have veered into a discussion about mandatory national service, including, but not exclusively military service. One of the veterans pointed to Israel as a country that requires mandatory military service, except for the ultra-orthodox.
I have digressed. I have written previously expressing support for mandatory national service, to include civilian projects.
Veterans Day (known as Remembrance Day in the United Kingdom) is a poignant time for those who served, comparable to Memorial Day. If so inclined, they might pause to pay silent homage to young troops who died in combat. The pain still resides in their souls.
In two days, I will think about the three veterans who answered my questions in a way filled with emotion and remembrance. I will thank them again. I will honor their service and bravery.
Wartime angst may diminish but not disappear.
My respect for veterans will be lasting.
Columnist Howard Freedlander retired in 2011 as Deputy State Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Previously, he was the executive officer of the Maryland National Guard. He also served as community editor for Chesapeake Publishing, lastly at the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. In retirement, Howard serves on the boards of several non-profits on the Eastern Shore, Annapolis and Philadelphia.
Matt LaMotte says
I have a Navy son who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq (near, really, because he was on a ship ferrying Marines back & forth from the ship to shore + vice-versa) who now resides in a VA-subsidised Apt. that is occupied principally by Vietnam-era Vets. He never talks about his experience, but whenever I visit, I’m always impressed at how his “buddies” look out for him (they consider him a kid, even though he’s in his early 40’s) + each other. They have a bond that can’t be measured. These guys are all carrying some baggage, so take the time to contact a Vet you know and thank them. We “owe” them!
Howard Freedlander says
You said it all, Matt: “we ‘owe’ them.”
Hugh (Jock) Beebe says
Howard,
You write, “… I had cause last week to question three Viet Nam veterans …” and went on to describe real and important personal harm, though one seems to have benefited from expanded social awareness, they had in military service pursuing a war that history has concluded was unfortunate and prolonged without need. I write to seek the “cause” of your focus on Viet Nam.
As a veteran myself of the Korean War, I continue to be puzzled by the apparent neglect of what has become known as America’s “forgotten” war. What cause, as a columnist offering perspective and understanding, to attract your interest in it?
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Jock. My interest in the Viet Bam War is simple: this conflict was my generation’s crucible. I served in the Army Reserve at this time, later becoming an officer in the Maryland Army National Guard. Many friends served in the Viet Nam War.
You are right that the Korean War suffers from public neglect, regretfully and unfairly so.
John W. Pettit says
One enduring memory for me is the disgraceful way so many of our veterans were treated upon their return from Viet Nam. I had a friend, a decorated Green Beret, who returned with a badly damaged arm but nevertheless met hostility unrelated to his disability in his search for a job. That hostility extended to those who were drafted and served despite their opposition to the war. To treat those who served…many of them reluctantly…in this way remains nothing short of a national disgrace. Let’s remember on this Veterans’ Day the full measure of the sacrifice of those who serve.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Jack. The treatment of our returning Viet Nam veterans was shameful. Soldiers were not responsible for flawed decisions made by politicians and generals.