[Number 10 GI]

I just received word an old army buddy and long time friend just died. We have known each other since 1967 when we were stationed together in Germany. His wife and mine were friends before they married us.
Bill served in the Army for 20 years and was a Viet Nam veteran who was awarded the Silver Star for bravery during his first tour of duty there. He suffered from PTSD and Agent Orange poisoning which caused extreme mental and medical problems for him. He and his wife had three children, two sons and a daughter that have done well in their lives. Both sons were in the military, the oldest a Navy Seal and the other a soldier in the Army military intelligence where they served honorably. Their daughter married an Army Ranger who also served honorably. All the sibling's children have either completed college or are working on their degrees.

Bill related a few stories to me about his time in Viet Nam with one incident that preyed on his conscience ever since. His unit was sweeping through a village in what intelligence declared a "free fire zone", meaning there were not supposed to be any friendlies there. If someone was there, they were Viet Cong. He was young and scared spitless. As they were sweeping the village he heard a noise to his right rear and reacted by turning and firing at the silhouette of a man he saw. Unfortunately it was an old man was carrying in his arms a small girl about 7 years old. He killed both of them, not a Viet Cong. So much for there being no friendlies in the area.

The Agent Orange poisoning caused severe medical conditions that made his life difficult and eventually killing him but he pushed on with his life not giving in to despair or whining constantly about his condition. He wasn't a saint and not the Devil but was a good father, good husband for 51 years, and a good friend.

I'm not looking for sympathy. I'm expressing my anger because his death won't be known beyond his family and those who read obituaries in their local newspaper. A man who gave more for this country than any celebrity or politician. Yet whose deaths receive nation and international attention? Hollywood celebrities, politicians and felons.

[Nucky]

Sorry for the loss of your friend. So many gave so much so we could have the opportunity to live a good life. I would rather have heard the things your friend had on his mind then some others who have the public attention now.

Again, Sorry Number 10 GI.

[Taltarzac725]

My condolences for the loss of your friend. Any war has a lot of grey areas among the people involved. So sad that some people have to see things in the simplest of terms to deal with them.

[justjim]

OP, thanks for sharing. Some with connections and money got out of serving during the draft and the Vietnam conflict. I call it a conflict cause in my book we really didn’t fight to win. Sorry for your loss. Your friend is a hero. God bless his family and friends.

[Polar Bear]

There are real heroes like your friend. Then there are entertainment and sports heroes. I don’t mean to denigrate (most) entertainers and athletes, but there is no comparison. Too bad the same word is used for both.

[Stu from NYC]

Your friend was a hero and should be mourned as such.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

There are real heroes like your friend. Then there are entertainment and sports heroes. I don’t mean to denigrate (most) entertainers and athletes, but there is no comparison. Too bad the same word is used for both.

Sports hero’s! NOT. They play game and get paid for it.

[JimJohnson]

I served in Vietnam during 1967 and retired from the U.S.Army after 22 years. Rest easy Bill, and know that many of us are fully aware of those that sacrificed and those that failed to serve.

[gettingby]

Honor us with his full name. Those of us that pray can at least lift him up in our prayers and thank God for him.

[Surf Daddy]

I had an adopted brother who also served in Vietnam. He was Purple Heart. He rarely talked about it. He did tell me the story about when he returned to the US, people spit at him in the San Francisco airport. He was exposed to Agent Orange, and the cancers that he developed ultimately lead to his death at age 70. He complained about very little, except why the VA hospitals didnt take better care of him.

[jwwbmw]

I’m sorry for your loss. Your friend was a hero... to those he loved and for those that he fought for....his family for sure... but to all of us in this country. We salute him today.

[jedalton]

a real hero. sorry for your loss

[seoulbrooks]

He was a true hero deserving of the title. The sport, hollywood and political names are simple entertainment and never earn a hero title. May your friend rest in peace.

[Eg_cruz]

Originally Posted by Number 10 GI

I just received word an old army buddy and long time friend just died. We have known each other since 1967 when we were stationed together in Germany. His wife and mine were friends before they married us.
Bill served in the Army for 20 years and was a Viet Nam veteran who was awarded the Silver Star for bravery during his first tour of duty there. He suffered from PTSD and Agent Orange poisoning which caused extreme mental and medical problems for him. He and his wife had three children, two sons and a daughter that have done well in their lives. Both sons were in the military, the oldest a Navy Seal and the other a soldier in the Army military intelligence where they served honorably. Their daughter married an Army Ranger who also served honorably. All the sibling's children have either completed college or are working on their degrees.

Bill related a few stories to me about his time in Viet Nam with one incident that preyed on his conscience ever since. His unit was sweeping through a village in what intelligence declared a "free fire zone", meaning there were not supposed to be any friendlies there. If someone was there, they were Viet Cong. He was young and scared spitless. As they were sweeping the village he heard a noise to his right rear and reacted by turning and firing at the silhouette of a man he saw. Unfortunately it was an old man was carrying in his arms a small girl about 7 years old. He killed both of them, not a Viet Cong. So much for there being no friendlies in the area.

The Agent Orange poisoning caused severe medical conditions that made his life difficult and eventually killing him but he pushed on with his life not giving in to despair or whining constantly about his condition. He wasn't a saint and not the Devil but was a good father, good husband for 51 years, and a good friend.

I'm not looking for sympathy. I'm expressing my anger because his death won't be known beyond his family and those who read obituaries in their local newspaper. A man who gave more for this country than any celebrity or politician. Yet whose deaths receive nation and international attention? Hollywood celebrities, politicians and felons.

I am sorry for your loss. I agree it’s sad how the true hero’s are forgotten
Prayers to his family and love ones 🙏🏻🇺🇸❤️

[Miriam2940]

Originally Posted by Number 10 GI

I just received word an old army buddy and long time friend just died. We have known each other since 1967 when we were stationed together in Germany. His wife and mine were friends before they married us.
Bill served in the Army for 20 years and was a Viet Nam veteran who was awarded the Silver Star for bravery during his first tour of duty there. He suffered from PTSD and Agent Orange poisoning which caused extreme mental and medical problems for him. He and his wife had three children, two sons and a daughter that have done well in their lives. Both sons were in the military, the oldest a Navy Seal and the other a soldier in the Army military intelligence where they served honorably. Their daughter married an Army Ranger who also served honorably. All the sibling's children have either completed college or are working on their degrees.

Bill related a few stories to me about his time in Viet Nam with one incident that preyed on his conscience ever since. His unit was sweeping through a village in what intelligence declared a "free fire zone", meaning there were not supposed to be any friendlies there. If someone was there, they were Viet Cong. He was young and scared spitless. As they were sweeping the village he heard a noise to his right rear and reacted by turning and firing at the silhouette of a man he saw. Unfortunately it was an old man was carrying in his arms a small girl about 7 years old. He killed both of them, not a Viet Cong. So much for there being no friendlies in the area.

The Agent Orange poisoning caused severe medical conditions that made his life difficult and eventually killing him but he pushed on with his life not giving in to despair or whining constantly about his condition. He wasn't a saint and not the Devil but was a good father, good husband for 51 years, and a good friend.

I'm not looking for sympathy. I'm expressing my anger because his death won't be known beyond his family and those who read obituaries in their local newspaper. A man who gave more for this country than any celebrity or politician. Yet whose deaths receive nation and international attention? Hollywood celebrities, politicians and felons.

He was a true hero. May he Rest In Peace and may his memory be a blessing