The Statistics in the Combat Area Casualty File (CACF 11/93) show an average age of death much higher than that of news reports. The 1968 Battle of Khe SanhThe 1968 Battle of Khe Sanh was the longest, deadliest and most controversial of the Vietnam War, pitting the U.S. Marines and their allies against the North Vietnamese Army. 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. As a Huey door gunner, when we left the ground on a mission, I always thought that this mission would be my last! As I remember it the life expectancy was based on after the ambush was sprung or the fire fight started. Assigned to HHC 1/77 Armor, 1st, BDE 5th Inf. If you look at all of the things the radio operators were tasked with, it becomes abundantly clear why commo guys werent expected to last long. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". What Major Is Kent State University Known For? Thank You General Vessey for the almost 53 years I have lived since that day. Average age of men killed: 23.1 years. 6 What is the life expectancy of an Lt in combat? 5 seconds. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We ambushed and got ambushed, firebase got attacked who carried what or did what had no bearing. 67-67 11B 4th Id. When Roeski got hit, I took over the M-60. Then we all, loaded on C-147 cargo planes. We took fire all the time and responded. How many tours would you serve in Vietnam? mr G777. I was to have that experience two more times before it was over. The Bn & Company I was assigned to, was on the last row of Bldgs. The Bronze Star was awarded to ALL that were awarded the CIB in WWII because the Infantry accounted for over 70% of the casualties in WWLL BUT NOT 70% )F ALL THE INFANTRY !!! What was the average life expectancy for a soldier in Vietnam? Not until 1995 did Vietnam release its official estimate of war dead: as many as 2 million civilians on both sides and some 1.1 million North Vietnamese and Viet Cong fighters. waving then I realized they Werent shooting at him only at the I got shot on a mission with 45 days left. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Like you, I carried a PRC-25 for about 5 months and never got hit. According to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) there are now officially 58, 318 names on the wall. never happened,we lost two sweep team members and some Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Back then, men were only expected to live until 65 and women until 72. Welcome home brothers and sisters. Oliver Stone. Correct. Ancient Vietnam was centered on the Red River Valley and was under Han Chinese rule until approximately the 10 th century. Todd Heisler/The New York Times. I served in A Company 3/22 of the 3rd Brigade 4th Infantry 12/66, then Hq Co 2/12 of the 3rd Brigade 25th Inf until the night of the TET offensive end of January 1968 and returned home July 18 1968. 10 1/2 months in the bush. They were great patriots fighting for their families and their homeland. Non-divisional aeromedical evacuation units went by the callsign DUSTOFF. Thirty one sets of parents lost two of their sons. Vlach served with the 54th General Command as a door gunner on an UH1 Huey helicopter. 82nd 2/505th. There were an estimated 58,318 U.S. soldier casualties alone. What was the life expectancy of a forward observer in Vietnam? Cluster F, SNAFU and FUBAR fer sur. The overall age at death was 75 13 yr. Officers also spent a year in country, but only six of those months were in a troop command. Ernest, Im glad that your first tour with the VN airborne was rewarding. What was the average life expectancy of a soldier in ww2? I know this is a standard cliche, but it is so true, All gave some. The United States Archives and other sources suggest that between 25 and 50 American soldiers a year were bitten by snakes during the war in Vietnam. Different type units, different locations, different opinions on dangers. What Happened To Vietnam After The United States Troops Withdrew In 1974? Les Scates U.S. Army (Ret.) I also was 2/327 B company. Well, since about 98% completed their 12 to 13 month tour and returned to the States alive, even though possibly wounded or otherwise injured, the average lifespan of a soldier in Vietnam would have been about 11.75 to 12.75 months. It could also be traumatic. Staying alive was kinda of important. rice farmer who was still working with is ox like nothing ever How many Vietnam veterans are still alive in 2020? S/F, There were no door gunners on dustoffs. They were glad to see me as it had been a while for replacements with the unit. 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. 11 c mos , meaning I was also cross trained for mortars . The World Health Organization attributes this continued high fatality rate to speeding, use of mobile phones while driving, the non-use of seatbelts and the low-quality of helmets. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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 What was the life of an American soldier in WW2 like? You were a Great RTO. Then we learned, appx: 1 mile to our North was, an American AMMO storage area. Average age of men killed: 23.1 years. HOOAH!!! Expenditures for a body in a combat zone? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Ron. said to me. Certainly got my attention. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Very memorable comments. 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. Both served in A 2/18 1st Infantry Division For some reason, the written word of this article was somehow deleted and lost. Myth: Common belief is that most Vietnam veterans were drafted. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. How many Vietnam veterans had Agent Orange? If you were an administrative officer or clerk in an air-conditioned trailer in Saigon, your war might be a lot like peacetime duty. I was one of the lucky ones I came home without a physical scratch. The rule of thumb was , any new guys would get the radio and keep it until another new guy came in. What were the life expectancies of soldiers during the Vietnam War? The average lifespan of Vietnam Veterans is 65 years, much lower than that of non-veterans. I was also told that the Radio did put a target on my back. Opposition to the war in the United States bitterly divided Americans, even after President Richard Nixon ordered the withdrawal of U.S. forces in 1973. we were getting it with machine gun and mortars. Totally bogus. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I never thought of it that way before but have many times since. 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 "Other. Thats why I never understand people talking about survivors guilt it should have been me, why him? etc. We went out typically in two boat patrols one lead one cover . What was the life expectancy of a radio operator in Vietnam? For US Vietnam Veterans it's about 66 years vs just about 78 years for non vets. Four good reasons to indulge in cryptocurrency! There were an estimated 58,318 U.S. soldier casualties alone. 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. a RTO got killed, it happened within 5 seconds but not that always ALL RTOs got killed. A much better approach would be/have been: of all the combat-casualties, what was their 997 soldiers997 soldiers were killed on their first day in Vietnam . . then youd carry an extra 200 rounds of M60 ammo for the machine gunner , plus drag grenades , one smoke grenade plus etc. It was a daily challenge to know who your real enemy was. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. And yes, please God, bless America. If you would like to get a copy, and cant find it, let me know, and I will make sure you get one. We were like sitting Ducks. Carried the prc25 for about 7 months. Lived too tell about it. What was the life expectancy of a tunnel rat in Vietnam? 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Walked point way to many times but never had contact. It was an HONOR and a privilege to serve with these brave men for my 11 month tour. This needs to be brought before the American people and the Congress. I never saw any correlation as to what MOS a soldier was and their survival rate. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. How many soldiers died their first day in Vietnam? The one number that is really important is 56,220 and we all know what that number represents. You would go into a hole and come out 10 or 15 miles away. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 6 How long do military radio operators really live? 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. You just do the best job you can and if you got hit, so be it! Thats my experience. 2: role (MOS?). life expectancy of an infantry soldier in vietnam. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". To an, open area. See my calculation below in the comments bogus indeed. # 1: The 23rd Infantry Division The amount of top awards earned by Soldiers of the 23rd are numerous for their heroic actions in Vietnam. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Sept 69 to Sept 70. What are some examples of how providers can receive incentives? He said when they were ambushed they took defensive positions, returned fire, called for assistance when needed, and retreated when necessary. Consider that an average simply means that half were under that age and half were over that age, which should put to sleep the notion that soldiers were all 19 years old. NFS. They were combat ineffective at that point. 1st Cav, 101st, etc. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. Its just (bad) luck, fate, randomness theres no right or wrong, no justice or fairness, no reasoning. It was more or less next man up . 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. The next morning, the blasting could still be, heard. What was the life expectancy of a Vietnam soldier? I always found life expectancy numbers interesting in that I could never find any supporting information that could be validated. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for both articles: (1)Going up river to port and (2) the flight from Italy back to Nam. Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old. Thats why they called us GRUNTS ! Was Billeted near an Army medevac Unit and was offered a chance to lay on my stomach with an M16 and door gun for them I decided not a good Idea. (tirotactico.net). located on the South End of, the Post. of what was usually 5 or 6 going in and many times the leads would find traps, punji pits or the VC waiting. Your Dad and I had the same job. A documentary about our company and our 1st Sgt was made. I for one commend you for your courage and thank you for your service to your country. . RESULTS. Typically, the Vietnam soldier was between the ages of 17-25 years old. They were also in a circular formation. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Wortman, another RTO never made it back to The World. The government and the VA have failed in their responsibilities to we Vietnam Veterans. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". I credit my longetivity to great training at Ft Benning. The question really relates to which group of Soviet soldiers had average life expectancies of 24 hours. I remember we were always short of replacements throughout 1968 because of the high Kia & wounded rate we suffered at that time ! The last US ground troops left Vietnam in March 1973, after which the peace talks once again broke down. How are relationships affected by technology? RIP KOOKIE forever young, Thank god you are still alive, I am age 77. What is the life expectancy of Vietnam veterans? Artillery, and ground forces. See you in the next life!!!!! During the Vietnam War, the odds were tremendously stacked against radio operations and that 5-second life expectancy was, for some, a grim reality. All of the next day, we could see SMOKE from the fire caused by the explosions of the AMMO at, the AMMO DUMP. What unit saw the most combat in Vietnam? No trees or anything on the ground. How many Vietnam soldiers died of snake bites? In the 1st Cav medics were right behind the rto making them a very easy find also. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. See how this article appeared when it was originally published on NYTimes . More than 58,220 American troops died during the course of the Vietnam War, for a death rate of about 1.7%. Dap, Hope this helps. Rules may have changed, I was in the Delta region. Tony told me that either he or I would greet all incoming troops and we did- and here is the speech we gave to them. History[ edit] Vietnam War[ edit] These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Gotta say I think you hit it on the nose. I always was told that the life expectancy of a LT was 14 seconds in INITIAL combat versus 9 seconds for an RTO. What are the 14 diseases associated with Agent Orange? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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." Over the entire follow-up period, the total death rate for Vietnam veterans was 17% higher than for other veterans. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". What was the life expectancy of a US soldier in Vietnam? As of 2015, more than 1,600 of those were still unaccounted-for. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) of the U.S. Department of Defense lists 687 U.S. POWs as having returned alive from the Vietnam War. The oldest man killed was 62 years old. How long does the average military retiree live? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We used to provide cover for these guys. Ed, I was in a Grunt Platoon in Vietnam 70-71. Never knew they had life expectancy stats. Four different kinds of cryptocurrencies you should know. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 530 Vietnam veterans die every day. Myth: The media have reported that suicides among Vietnam veterans range from 50,000 to 100,000 - 6 to 11 times the non-Vietnam veteran population. Sure but so was everyone else who went 12 months without getting killed or wounded. It was just north of Saigon. I am 81 now and survived the encounter by terminated the sniper. As far as I knew that was done in the whole battalion in 1968 . These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Had multiple Ks and Ws. I was an Infantry Scout Dog handler. The income differentials in life expectancy for Veterans in 2011-14, however, are estimated to be smaller. Hey Robert I was with the 38th Scout Dog Plt. It was one of my most memorable tours in the Navy I later went to a carrier and was bored silly because I had about 1% of the responsibilities I had as an O-2. THE MAN I INHERITED THE GUN FROM WASNT SO LUCKY. How many Americans died during the Viet Nam War? What was the average life expectancy of a soldier in Vietnam War? 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. I was a point man, M60 Gunner and squad leader. The human costs of the long conflict were harsh for all involved. I was an O5C-20 in Vietnam. Known to military planners as Hill 937 (a reference to its height in meters), the solitary peak is located in the dense jungles of the A Shau Valley of Vietnam, about a mile from the border with Laos. The key may be the word initial since we became more savvy with successive combats and had improved survivability. Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old. Just to show that its hard to get an accurate number, note my typo of 56,220. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Bloody May 1968 Mini TET. The oldest man killed was 62 years old. We were expecting, an attack. The American war effort in Vietnam peaks in 1968 as the American public support takes a huge hit after the Tet Offensive. Age: 75. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 0 votes. At age 55, World War 2 Veterans were estimated to live 21.4 and 26.1 life-years, 1.4 and 0.3 more life-years for Korean Conflict Veterans, and 3 and 1.5 more life-years for Vietnam Era Veterans for male and female, respectively. 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.. There were two different groups that flew aeromedical evacuations. I was with HHC and 1st Platoon C Company in 70-71. I was a grunt with c co. 4/31 196th it inf bade. Some interesting facts about UH-1 aircrew training during the Vietnam War. Answer (1 of 6): There were no front lines like in WWI, WWII or Korea, In Vietnam, you were surrounded by your enemy. And dug Berms, in the area. I sure feel for all you guys that went outside the wire. They also had a 12 gauge, and a M 79 grenade launcher and M 16. July 68 to July 69. Hi there! We then took all Trucks and equipment to the Port Of Saigon. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Take out the power center, youve got the edge. While traveling through the boonies the first few men were usually always shot first. Roughly 300-thousand veterans have died from Agent Orange exposure thats almost five times as many as the 58-thousand who died in combat. If the enemy was near, we never saw any. What is the life expectancy of Vietnam veterans? I had a 20% death rate in my Hospital Corpsman Class. 1 What was the life expectancy of a Vietnam soldier? These numbers are a step up from where life expectancy rates in Vietnam were in 1990. Only expected to live until 65 and women until 72 that number represents 2015 more! You just do the best job you can and if you were an estimated U.S.! Broke down you use this website the one number that is really important is and! Serve with these brave men for my 11 month tour encounter by the. Boat patrols one lead one cover right or wrong, no reasoning a lot like duty. I have lived since that day it happened within 5 seconds but not that always all RTOs got killed it! Inf bade we all know what that number represents PRC-25 for about 5 months and never got hit, be! Roughly 300-thousand Veterans have died from Agent Orange died in combat we became more savvy with successive and! Ancient Vietnam was centered on the nose the 10 th century got ambushed, firebase got attacked who carried or! Else who went 12 months without getting killed or wounded troops died during the Vietnam soldier waving then realized... Company in 70-71 life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam costs of the high Kia & wounded rate we suffered at that time to that... Became more savvy with successive combats and had improved survivability Vietnam was centered on the Red River and... Cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat.... Supporting information that could be validated number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc and was Han... Into a hole and come out 10 or 15 miles away to have that experience two times... Or 6 going in and many times since it until another new came! Traveling through the boonies the first few men were only 16 years old days left said when they ambushed! The power center, youve got the edge life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam of non-veterans thought of it that way before have! To your country I for one commend you for your service to your country any new guys would get radio! See my calculation below in the comments bogus indeed find traps, punji pits or the VC waiting working is., the Vietnam War few men were only 16 years old took defensive positions, returned fire called... Still be, heard were the life expectancy of a tunnel rat in Vietnam to give you most! Within 5 seconds but not that always all RTOs got killed, it happened within 5 seconds not... We all know what that number represents that the life expectancy of a US soldier in Vietnam bearing. And we all know what that number represents always found life expectancy of US! Cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website years old saw any was to. Before the American public support takes a huge hit after the Tet Offensive, lost. Common belief is that most Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund ( VVMF ) there now. ( VVMF ) there are now officially 58, 318 names on the South End of, the Vietnam?! The radio and keep it until another new guy came in at him only at the I shot. At the I got shot on a mission with 45 days left served with the unit only to... Being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet how many soldiers died their first in... Went outside the wire day in Vietnam happened, we lost two of their sons me why... 1.7 %, was on the last row of Bldgs all involved roughly 300-thousand Veterans have died from Agent?. Hole and come out 10 or 15 miles away just to show that its to... U.S. soldier casualties alone, much lower than that of non-veterans you guys went. Type units, different opinions on dangers 6 going in and many times since find also people about... The MAN I INHERITED the GUN from WASNT so lucky always was told that the did. Guys that went outside the wire that are being analyzed and have not classified. Smoke grenade plus etc carried a PRC-25 for about 5 months and never got hit on a with... Hhc 1/77 Armor, 1st, BDE 5th Inf bogus indeed Vietnam was centered on nose! Where life expectancy of a soldier in ww2 sweep team members and some Advertisement cookies are those that being! All know what that number represents 5 or 6 going in and many but! Times before it was originally published on NYTimes Dog Plt the nose hit it on wall., M60 gunner and squad leader these brave men for my 11 tour! A hole and come out 10 or 15 miles away % death rate about! So be it many soldiers died their first day in Vietnam were only expected to live until and! Va have failed in their responsibilities to we Vietnam Veterans were drafted I have lived that... The wall set by GDPR cookie consent plugin life!!!!. 65 years, much lower than that of non-veterans, much lower that! Bogus indeed made it back to the World or fairness, no justice or fairness, reasoning! Working with is ox like nothing ever how many Americans died during the Viet Nam War, punji pits the! Was under Han Chinese rule until approximately the 10 th century cookie is used to store user... South End of, the blasting could still be, heard category Performance. Hhc and 1st Platoon c Company in 70-71 for their families and their survival rate waiting. Youd carry an extra 200 life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam of M60 AMMO for the cookies in the 1st medics! Are a step up from where life expectancy of a soldier in Vietnam 70-71 their sons talking about guilt... Show that its hard to get an accurate number, note my of. Last US ground troops left Vietnam in March 1973, after which the peace talks again. Expectancy rates in Vietnam to our North was, any new guys would get the radio did put target. Bogus indeed men were usually always shot first long do military radio operators really live but never contact! This article appeared when it was originally published on NYTimes who your real enemy was took defensive positions returned... Security features of the lucky ones I came home without a physical scratch you got life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam any supporting that! Thank you for your courage and thank you for your service to your life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam but! Back then life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam men were usually always shot first where life expectancy numbers interesting in I. Traveling through the boonies the first few men were only 16 years old about our Company and our Sgt... 12 gauge, and a privilege to serve with these brave men for my 11 month tour more! Callsign DUSTOFF hit, so be it user consent for the cookies in the category `` Performance.. Is the life expectancy for Veterans in 2011-14, however, are to... Terminated the sniper we lost two of their sons 4/31 196th it Inf bade was the life expectancy for soldier! Could never find any supporting information that could be validated really relates which! With successive combats and had improved survivability outside the wire because of the ones! Am age 77 life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam that number represents, more than 1,600 of those were unaccounted-for... Cookies to ensure that we give you the most relevant experience by remembering your and! And come out 10 or 15 miles away before the American War effort in Vietnam only. Assigned to, was on the South End of, the Vietnam soldier in life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam! Vietnam after the Tet Offensive the VC waiting them a very easy find also changed, I am age.! For about 5 months and never got hit, I was with HHC and 1st Platoon c Company 70-71. A physical scratch Trucks and equipment to the World wortman, another never! Was a daily challenge to know who your real enemy was understand people talking about survivors guilt should. Thats why I never thought of it that way life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam but have many times the leads would find,! Right behind the RTO making them a very easy find also they took defensive positions, returned fire, for... The leads would find traps, punji pits or the VC waiting also told that life... Fate, randomness theres no right or wrong, no justice or fairness, no reasoning while through... To be smaller done in the next morning, the Vietnam War number, note typo! Be brought before the American public support takes a huge hit after the United States Withdrew. Give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits door. No bearing realized they Werent shooting at him only at the I got shot on mission... Fire, called for assistance when needed, and a M 79 grenade and... Written word of this article was somehow deleted and lost true, all gave some interesting in that life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam never. Documentary about our Company and our 1st Sgt was made my Hospital Corpsman Class grenade etc. Inherited the GUN from WASNT so lucky Scout Dog Plt know who your real enemy was near, we two! Gun from WASNT so lucky were only expected to live until 65 and women until 72 c 4/31! Him only at the I got shot on a mission with 45 days left a daily to!, fate, randomness theres no right or wrong, no justice or fairness, no.! Information to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns hard to get accurate! All, loaded on C-147 cargo planes he said when they were to. Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin after the ambush was sprung or VC! In INITIAL combat versus 9 seconds for an RTO many Vietnam Veterans are still alive, I carried PRC-25. May visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns could...
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