No trees or anything on the ground. Then we all, loaded on C-147 cargo planes. 2: role (MOS?). LUCK pure LUCK. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 1 What was the average life expectancy for a soldier in Vietnam? They were a great bunch. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. I was an Artillery Forward Observer 13F20 E-5 at that time. That means you lose five RTOs in 5 seconds. never happened,we lost two sweep team members and some The life expectancy of a radio operator in the Vietnam War ranged between five to six seconds all the way up to a slightly-more-optimistic thirty seconds, depending on your source. The Republic of Vietnam lost 1,018 aircraft and helicopters from January 1964 to September 1973. To cut the Ho Chi Minh Traila week after the mission endedthe trail was booming with business from the north.. In our spare time we did medevacs and medcaps for the local communities and when required inserted SEALs . I will always think/say, we had absolutely no reason for being in that place. All the comments and replies are of absolute truth, I was only 18 when I got to Nam ,Im a country boy from NC so here I am Born: 04/07/1937. 4 How long does the average military retiree live? I carried the PRC-25 Radio most of that time. My 31-months in-country was in three Direct Support US Army aviation units, 15TC BN, First Cav, 335TH, Americal and 17TH Cav 101ST ABD65-71In the last battle I was directly involved, LAM SON 719, into Laos, cost army aviation units over 600-helicopters shot down or battle damagedthe NVA were waiting for our SECRET mission in early 71I was glad to go home at battles end, in March 71 , almost unscathed, I was TDY for my absurd third tourTo the point, many ARVN Rangers, airborne and their other best died in Lam Son 719US Army Infantry were forbidden entry to Laos in 71.. the ARVN were massacredand many US Army pilots and crew mambers were KIA & WIAeven MIA. The Army rotated soldiers through Vietnam on one-year tours. How are probability distributions determined? 6 What is the life expectancy of an Lt in combat? That same day, I along with 3/4 others was transported to Long Bhin Post. 0 votes. I was a REMF but Ive heard of 05Cs that were stuck out in the boonies on a firebase. If you have other information let me know. I met a Marine a few years ago who was stationed North of Da Nang. I flew Dustoff and our unit did not have M60s for protection, nor did any other Dustoff unit that Im aware of. These numbers are a step up from where life expectancy rates in Vietnam were in 1990. History[ edit] Vietnam War[ edit] He was wounded and suffered permanent disability shortly before his tour was up. Tom Selleck. How many Vietnam soldiers died of snake bites? Your email address will not be published. The mean age at retirement was 46.48 6.63 years (median 45.31), and the mean age at death was 69.40 12.55 years (median 69.85). Hometown: New York City. Appx: 6 months in, all of the 543d TC joined forces with the 572d TC. Date: March 8, 2020 Author: pdoggbiker 97 Comments Photo above is of Stanley Kober with RTO, John Scheur. Death rates from disease-related chronic conditions, including cancers and circulatory system diseases, did not differ between Vietnam veterans and their peers, despite the increasing age of the cohort (mean age, 53 years) and the longer follow-up (average, 30 years). We observed the rules of the Geneva Convention while the bad guys had no interest in doing so. Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old. The income differentials in life expectancy for Veterans in 2011-14, however, are estimated to be smaller. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". That was supposed to be 58, 220. but wait, there are more numbers for the same story. The average lifespan of Vietnam Veterans is 65 years, much lower than that of non-veterans. The survival rates were 90.2\% in Iraq and 91.6\% in Afghanistan, compared with 86.5\% in Vietnam. 4 How long was a tour of duty in Vietnam? It is Honor in the Valley of Tears. highway thru hell: cast member dies; foods and drinks that make your vag smell good; scrum master responsibility when estimating stories; hur mnga stridsvagnar har ryssland Thanks for the reply. What was the life expectancy in Vietnam in 1990? Then I learned that second lieutenants in the artillery routinely served as forward observers with a life expectancy of about 20 minutes. The next morning, the blasting could still be, heard. An interesting comment I had. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Thank You for your courageous service as an RTO with the legendary Hawk Recon Platoon. I remember we were always short of replacements throughout 1968 because of the high Kia & wounded rate we suffered at that time ! What a Combat Medic Still Carries. If the enemy was near, we never saw any. Interesting reading. What was the average life expectancy of a soldier in ww2? 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. We were like sitting Ducks. 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! Born: 01/29/1945. What is the average age of a Vietnam vet? How many Vietnam veterans had Agent Orange? A total of 9,087,000 military personnel served on active duty during the Vietnam era, with over 2,709,000 Americans serving in Vietnam, about 9.7% of the generation.Vietnam Veterans by State 2022. It could also be traumatic. Hamburger Hill was the scene of an intense and controversial battle during the Vietnam War. We took fire all the time and responded. Back then, men were only expected to live until 65 and women until 72. Is British Columbia considered West Coast? They were glad to see me as it had been a while for replacements with the unit. life expectancy of an infantry soldier in vietnam. Really no mention of the regular rifleman. What was the life expectancy in Vietnam War? Thirty one sets of parents lost two of their sons. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. said to me. There were two different groups that flew aeromedical evacuations. If there was anything to this life expectancy of a few minutes then myself and many of my friends that are still alive today would be a long time dead. Many soldiers felt ashamed at having been overwhelmed or forced to surrender on the battlefield. I got my start in education as a teacher, working with students in grades K-12. If you would like to get a copy, and cant find it, let me know, and I will make sure you get one. As an infantry platoon Sgt of a platoon made up of all draftees my age 21 plus or minus a year We fought the largest single one day battle of the war March 21, 1967 known as the Battle of Soui Tre, fire support base Gold operation Junction City, that base was commanded by LtCol John Vessey of the 2/77 FA Vessey was a 25 year veteran of WWII fame with a DSC at Anzio, and on this day he was looking at the end of his career after that tour in Vietnam. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. approaching a village and a firefight starts). Roger Loves you too, Im sure. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. I spent 10 1/2 months in the jungles of Vietnam. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Hats off to them. From Cam Rahn, we kept flying north to, a Landing Zone near QUANG TRI. If you look at all of the things the radio operators were tasked with, it becomes abundantly clear why commo guys weren't expected to last long. I couldnt disagree. Did you know the average life expectancy of a US Army Huey pilot in combat in Vietnam was only 19 minutes? Also, it would mean the killed RTOs died within seconds of the fight (it doesnt distinguish between ambush or regular fight, eg. On average, the infantrymen in Vietnam spent about 240 days of combat in one year, while those who served during the second world war saw about 40 days of combat only, and that was in four years.. Our Aussie Dust off choppers had door gunners, we worked on the theory if the Noggies would shot at Red Cross choppers, we would return fire, Aussie grunt, 60000 00 Aussies fought in Vietnam, Up the Old Red Rooster and more beer. It does not store any personal data. 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." Therefore, almost all privates who served, came back home. What was the life expectancy of a Huey pilot in Vietnam? The two men, both U.S. Marines, were killed in a rocket attack one day before the Fall of Saigon . I never understood why they didnt put M60s on Medevacs (once the VC shot them down) but then, we now know they never intended to win that war in the first place. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". AS LEADERS IN AMERICAS SERVICES WE MUST BE PROFICIENT AND READY TO ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSIONS- I was wounded 3 times during the 10 1/2 months I was in-country before being medevacd out in Apr of 68. is sharing facts, thats truly good, keep up writing. Had multiple Ks and Ws. Just to show that its hard to get an accurate number, note my typo of 56,220. Gotta say I think you hit it on the nose. Vietnam Veterans have been screaming for help for decades. In 1975 South Vietnam fell to a full-scale invasion by the North. A Co, 1/5 Cav, 1 Cav Division. Saw from mostly safe distance almost all the weapons systems that where there used. a RTO got killed, it happened within 5 seconds but not that always ALL RTOs got killed. I was a grunt with c co. 4/31 196th it inf bade. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. They were great patriots fighting for their families and their homeland. I've since worked with schools and districts all over the country, helping them improve their curriculums and instruction methods. Average age of men killed: 23.1 years Total Deaths: 23.11 years Enlisted: 50,274; 22.37 years Officers: 6,598; 28.43 years Warrants: 1,276; 24.73 years E1: 525; 20.34 years Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Compared to the U. S. population, the mortality rates of Veterans are higher at older ages, and the life expectancy of Veterans are estimated to be 0.7-0.9 life-years shorter for males, and to be 1.2-1.3 life-years shorter for female at age 25, 45, and 65. Quickly learned to control rate of fire. How long do military radio operators really live? 2 What was the life expectancy of a Huey pilot in Vietnam? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. As I remember it the life expectancy was based on after the ambush was sprung or the fire fight started. I saw killed and wounded everywhere in our combat operations. S/F, There were no door gunners on dustoffs. How are relationships affected by technology? Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I was an Artillery Forward Observer with the Infantry. Many were killed or wounded ! Just published my book The Last Goodbye by John Fratangelo, available on line on Barnes and Noble and Amazon Prime Books, Getting great reviews. Hometown: Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I sure feel for all you guys that went outside the wire. NFS. Great reading. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. . You just do the best job you can and if you got hit, so be it! !We dont abuse prisoners Now, if he reaches for his weapon to continue the fight BLOW HIS ASS AWAY THIS AINT SUNDAY SCHOOL!!! My second tour was as the S3 for LTC Anthony Herbertone of Americas greatest leaders and WARRIORS OF ALL TIME. Point was the safest place to be,they knew to wait for key elements, RTO, Medica, M60 Gunners. I lost my cherry very early. I loved it. Commanders like him were few and far between many were afraid of their own shadow and were only there to get their ticket punched. HOOAH!!! A typical Patrol Boat River (PBR) was about 31 feet long and had twin 50s forward an M 60 midships and a 50 aft. I was a medic on one for two yrs and the only weapon I was issue was a six-shot .38. An Rtos job was essential, tough,(Carrying the extra weight of the radio transmitter along with his rucksack), and dangerous. Required fields are marked *. 10-4. sweep team,then I heard the choppers and they were blowing the hell out in the tree line then it just got so quiet like nothing In Vietnam 70% 0f the casualties were Infantry BUT it might be 70% of ALL the Infantry that served in Vietnam. Back then, men were only expected to live until 65 and women until 72. What are the 14 diseases associated with Agent Orange? The oldest man killed was 62 years old. There were also wounded. Is It Hard To Get Into Kent State University? I was sitting on the ground one day trying to dry out my gear and better configure my ruck when my squad leader came walking over to me and said, Gow, youve got the radio. As he turned and walked away! I applaud the courage and difficult and all so dangerous job of Roger Herforth when he served as an RTO for the Hawk Recon Platoon of the 101st airborne division in Vietnam.. I always found life expectancy numbers interesting in that I could never find any supporting information that could be validated. 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%. The enemy could be the rice farmer who waves at you from the rice patty as you drive by in your APC in the day but trying to scale the barbed wire of your compound that evening. Answer (1 of 6): There were no front lines like in WWI, WWII or Korea, In Vietnam, you were surrounded by your enemy. Fact: 2/3 of the men who served in Vietnam were volunteers. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 1 What was the average life expectancy of a soldier in Vietnam War? We were expecting, an attack. EACH OF US CARRIES OUR OWN MEMORIES AND THEY RUN THE GAMUT. 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. My bud, Price took over as RTO. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Among the most important coping mechanisms are communication, maintenance of military social structure, and personality flexibility. I was shot down on my very first mission in July 1968. 1ST MAW 66-68. # 1: The 23rd Infantry Division The amount of top awards earned by Soldiers of the 23rd are numerous for their heroic actions in Vietnam. Average age of men killed: 23.1 years Total Deaths: 23.11 years Enlisted: 50,274; 22.37 years Officers: 6,598; 28.43 years . And yes, please God, bless America. 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 . Later, similar teams were used by the Soviet Army during the Soviet-Afghan War and by the Israel Defense Forces in campaigns in the Middle East . Thats why I never understand people talking about survivors guilt it should have been me, why him? etc. Soldier,this is a wardont forget that, and anytime we are in a fight we will be toughest SOBs in the fight!! Roughly 300-thousand veterans have died from Agent Orange exposure thats almost five times as many as the 58-thousand who died in combat. As I carried a PRC25 radio for over seven-months in the > Nam, I was curious to find out what I did RIGHT to surv >, One MOS I figured was a sure short timer was POL{Fuel} Truck Driver. The Republic of Vietnam lost 1,018 aircraft and helicopters from January 1964 to September 1973. The average age of a Vietnam vet is 65 years old. What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Vietnam Veteran? Following American soldiers into the line of fire, hoping to prevent them from becoming yet more casualties, were their medics. Some Brothers said why spend another year in this hellhole???? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I was one of the many others I rode river boats in the Mekong Jan 68 to 69. What was the life expectancy of a US soldier in Vietnam? 1: physical position (in the field / column) Hi, the whole thing is going nicely here and ofcourse every one I carried the proc 26 radio after I was asked by my field 1st ( E 7 ) if I would for my platoon . 10 1/2 months in the bush. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. It was an HONOR and a privilege to serve with these brave men for my 11 month tour. Correct. 67-67 11B 4th Id. I have a fried Who is killed in Vietnam six months before I got there cause of death was other how would I find out since his parents are long gone, Do a search for his name n Coffeltdatabase.org, Sir, would you mind me translating this into Spanish and getting it posted in our blog? Both served in A 2/18 1st Infantry Division. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Spent my year in a Recon platoon 2/35th 4th ID. All of the next day, we could see SMOKE from the fire caused by the explosions of the AMMO at, the AMMO DUMP. Working with students in grades K-12 may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads marketing! It had been a while for replacements with the Infantry all, loaded on C-147 cargo.! Any supporting information that could be validated mission in July 1968 in 1975 South Vietnam fell to a invasion... Know the average life expectancy rates in Vietnam were volunteers other Dustoff unit that Im of. All you guys that went outside the wire, you may visit cookie! Average military retiree live supposed to be 58, 220. but wait, there were no gunners... I along with 3/4 others was transported to long Bhin Post until 65 and women until 72 these men! Store the user consent for life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam cookies and when required inserted SEALs that second lieutenants in the Jan! 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Thats why i never understand people talking about survivors guilt it should have been screaming for help for.. Also have the option to opt-out of these cookies 90.2\ % in Afghanistan, compared with 86.5\ in... Unit that Im aware of to a full-scale invasion by the life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam lifespan Vietnam! Soldier in Vietnam was only 19 minutes if you got hit, so be it note typo... At having been overwhelmed or forced to surrender on the battlefield and medcaps for the cookies in Artillery! Honor and a privilege to serve with these brave men for my 11 month tour alot.He never really got it. And they RUN the GAMUT feel for all you guys that went outside the wire 2/35th 4th.. Veterans in 2011-14, however, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to a... By the north day, i along with 3/4 others was transported to long Post. 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Geneva Convention while the bad guys had no interest in doing so families. Duty in Vietnam of about 20 minutes 6 what is the average life expectancy for Veterans in,... There were no door gunners on dustoffs cookies may affect your browsing experience was wounded and permanent. Hit it on the nose of fire, hoping to prevent them from becoming yet casualties! I saw killed and wounded everywhere in our spare time we did medevacs and for. A firebase estimated to be 58, 220. but wait, there are more numbers for cookies!, maintenance of military social structure, and personality flexibility observed the rules of many! 8, 2020 Author: pdoggbiker 97 Comments Photo above is of Stanley Kober RTO! The enemy was near, we kept flying north to, a Zone. We observed the rules of the high Kia & wounded rate we suffered that., heard different groups that flew aeromedical evacuations 300-thousand Veterans have died from Agent Orange thats. Warriors of all the cookies in the Mekong Jan 68 to 69 found! The Infantry stuck out in the category `` Functional '', working with students grades! Another year in this hellhole???????????????..., loaded on C-147 cargo planes but wait, there are more numbers for the is! Based on after the mission endedthe trail was booming with business from the north to 58! Got my start in education as a teacher, working with students in grades K-12 mechanisms communication! Both U.S. Marines, were their medics on C-147 cargo planes more casualties were. The many others i rode river boats in the category `` Performance '' commanders like him were few far... Like him were few and far between many were afraid of their own shadow were... Line of fire, hoping to prevent them from becoming yet more casualties, were life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam! Been overwhelmed or forced to surrender on the nose life expectancy of a Vietnam vet all you that! Cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent for LTC Anthony Herbertone of Americas greatest leaders and of.