Iowa North East

Not to bring back bad memories but this is a mild way to show what your unit did .

I know you had seen the worst and never would want anyone to go through what you did.

You did your job you were trained to do if you are like me the hardest was to adjust back to civilian life.

On my way to San Fransisco to be shipped over our unit spent about a week in Ft Riley processing out of country.

You did your job and you did it well!
I thank you comrade.

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In the first half of 1969, The Big Red One conducted reconnaissance-in-force and ambush operations, including a multi-divisional operation, Atlas Wedge. The last part of the year saw the division take part in "Dong Tien" (Progress Together) operations. These operations were intended to assist South Vietnamese forces to take a more active role in combat. In August, MG A. E. Milloy took command of the 1st I.D. while the division took part in battles along National Highway 13, known as "Thunder Road" to the end of the year.

In January 1970 it was announced that the division would return to Fort Riley.[3] 11 members of the division were awarded the Medal of Honor.

* Casualties

1. 6,146 Killed in Action
2. 16,019 Wounded in Action
3. 20 Prisoner of War

Thanks Roy, you and I connect in a positive way.

My unit wasn’t the kick butt John Wayne type unless it was the way it had to be. I don’t know what went on up the line, we just did our thing, and thought what we did was to somehow save America from bad people.

But now that I have gotten older, I can’t help but wonder about those who were against us. Was they programmed like me that my country was right, and everyone else was wrong because,,,,,,,,because…well because my government said so???? They no doubt left behind families, wives, and children, only to die for the big cause that was programmed in their heads.

I feel very guilty for what I did, and have never watched a war movie, or any violent thing on TV since March of 71. How does anyone watch blood shed for entertainment? Then if someone is in a auto accident, they cry their eyes out. I have spoken to very few about what went on, and would never dream of telling my children or grand kids when they hint around. We lost everything in a house fire in 73, so there are no photos that stimulate conversation about the Nam. I avoid crowds at all costs, and it amuses some of my friends, so I know it is not normal.

When I think about my ancestors taking the land away from the Indians, making slaves of some folks, and declaring war for what ever reason that comes to mind…………well I must wonder if my gene pool needs Clorox bleach added.

I’m not into religion, but most preach that thou shall not kill, and I question our judicial system when it comes to death row. So we kill, because of the eye for eye thing and all the stuff our folks taught us. I just kind of feel that weight on my shoulders, and I get rid of some guilt by the donation of my time for the fire department, EMS, and hauling Vets to the VA.

I guess this probably isn’t a ideal place to discuss this, but I also wonder how many feel the same way. By hauling the Vets, I hear a lot of opinions that we did the right thing by kicking their rear ends etc. As a matter of fact once in a while you hear of tales that would make John Wayne look like a coward, or a sissy. Yet I can’t help but notice there are some that make little or no comment.

Another Northeast Iowan to make no comment...

I agree with you:100% What I did while in the ARMY, Was no fun and I hated, It took 10 years for me to pick up a gun just to go shoot at a target, some times it make"s me wounder what The MAN in the big house is thinking or why he dose what he dose.And yes I A VET:
That will never talk about what My job was in the Army.{SNIPPER} Every one deals with there feelings in a different way. The thing we have to remember is that all of our VETS are BROTHERS in some way or another. May GOD BLESS THEM ALL.
and may GOD be with them in a time of need.
SGT-6 E.L. FRYE {JR FRYE}

Please don't think I'm trying to bring back unwanted memories. I just want others to know what they are Talking about when they Thank a Vet.

You did have it rough !
I heard of the story of the guy being compassionate enough to the enemy, by letting him finish his rations, and left him smoke his last cigarette.
I couldn't imagine of deciding the actual time when a man was going to die.
Thank you! your support. It was greatly appreciated.

I disagree, this is the place to discuss this. (Email open)
It lets all know how others feel between all the Thank yous'.

You did nothing wrong. I don't push the Bible on anyone, but I would appreciate you read the link I have provided.

You did your job as expected to keep others safe although my job was to keep you supplied and cleaned up.

I have been on convoys to 105mm sites that got hit to reclaim warheads to take back to have ammo dump personal to destroy then as they were no longer stable.

One good thing as I was looking into the "Big red One " I decided to run my unit. I found a web site that some of my guys are trying to contact one another I sent my name and hoping to hear from some of them.
War & killings

Roy, I take it you were in the Big Red One. I was also. Delta co. 1st & 26th.(Blue spaders). June 68 - June 69.

No I wasn't

I was 226 S&S support supply group
But it took all of us there to make it work.

I do wonder how many of the "Red One" went over on the same Ship as me now that I think Our unit went through Ft Riley. I can't remember any other than our own outfit on board ship but we also finished loading in Tacoma Wash. so many other units were on board.

mostly in either T shirts, or shirtless but we were all brothers, for a single cause .