Nearly every American has at least heard of the Vietnam War. However, most people don’t have any connection to the battle. Tragically, this momentous time in our country’s history is rapidly fading from public consciousness. The best way to preserve the memory of the American experience in the war is to listen to those who served. These first-hand accounts are the best resource we have for understanding what it was like to be there. Let’s take a look at a handful of stories from the millions of brave men and women who served in the war.
Brothers in Arms
There are many stories of family members serving in Vietnam together, but few of these relatives actually fought side-by-side. Despite the slim odds, that’s precisely the situation the Hagel brothers found themselves in. Chuck and Tom Hagel were members of the same rifle platoon which only consists of roughly 30 soldiers. The brothers compiled their amazing story in the book Our Year of War which was written by retired U.S. Army Lt. General Daniel P. Bolger.
As the author puts it, “The Hagel brothers’ willingness to share their stories reflects a degree of moral courage equivalent to the bravery they showed time and time again under fire in Vietnam.”
Angel in War
Death was an unavoidable and ever present force during the Vietnam War. Daily, soldiers had to struggle with their own potential death or the tragic loss of a friend. Nan Borg, a compassionate and dedicated member of the Army Nurse Corps, supported fellow soldiers in dealing with these incredibly challenging topics.
“I worked with young officers…[to] share their feelings and realize that they weren’t alone. That was the most important thing.”
During Nan’s selfless service, she helped soldiers open up and receive support to overcome the harsh realities of war.
Home of the Brave
When Walter James Dexter signed up for the military, he was young enough to require his mother’s signature. At just 17 years old, Walter bravely joined the US military as a volunteer without even knowing much about the political situation halfway across the globe. From getting shot in the helmet in his second firefight to witnessing a fellow soldier fall into a boobytrap, Walter was quickly aware of how horrific war could be. Despite these experiences, Walter was committed enough to return to Vietnam for a second tour.
“… you just become immune. Things that happen, you just deal with it, whatever happens.”
Pacifist for Peace
Michael Patrick Felker is proof that men and women from all walks of life and political persuasions served alongside each other in the Vietnam War. Even though Michael considered himself a pacifist, he joined the Navy in 1968 to serve his country. He worked as a medical corpsman, tending to injured service members in the field. This challenging yet heroic role left Michael with some traumatic experiences. Upon returning home from the war, his dedication to improving the lives of those around him didn’t stop.
“I had to take what I had been through and do something positive with it.”
Following the war, he volunteered his free time to reduce gun violence and eliminate the use of land mines in battle.
Lifelong Impact
The experience of serving in the Vietnam War sticks with veterans for the rest of their lives. For Navy Nurse Sharolyn Walcutt, those lasting effects were a combination of positive and negative. She vividly remembers seeing young men who died or were horrifically injured on the front line. Sharolyn didn’t let those images keep her from valiantly saving lives alongside her fellow nurses many of whom she kept in touch with for decades following the war.
“You can’t explain the friendship…it’s like none other. We still keep in touch today.”
Share Your Vietnam War Story!
If you or a loved one served in the Vietnam War, we’d be honored to hear about the experience! You can share your story to help increase the public’s awareness of this historic war and what it means for our country.