What did US soldiers in Vietnam do in their spare time during the Vietnam War?

Civilians and peace time military personnel can set up a daily routine. In the “traditional wars” from Vietnam back; in which there were NO cell phones, computers, GPS systems, mini-TV’s, equal opportunity employment, environmental bullets, advanced safety military protection gear (face shields, knee pads, night vision goggles attached to the protective headgear), etc. etc. GI’s in the Vietnam War, had to do pretty much what his forefathers did in the Korean War, WWII, WWI, Spanish-American War of 1898, the US Frontier Wars, the US Civil War, etc.

And that was (for the men in the field): Sleep when ever possible, because there was NO daily routine. Shooting or explosions could come at any time, from any direction. Or “movement”.  If anyone saw or heard any “movement”, action could commence at any split second.  Sleep (or rest) was always wanted. Food and drink, was a constant, especially food.  The army only supplied “C” rations in the field (canned food) could be heated (we found other sources to cook our food), army issued “heat tablets” took too long, wouldn’t light using a cigarette, and put out eye burning fumes when used in a bunker or inside an armored vehicle.  “C” rations had to be eaten COLD at night-time because of “night discipline”…lights get shot at during the night, and worse they could draw mortar fire.  Then your buddies will be very upset with the GI who showed the light.

Other than sleeping, eating, a cold beer (or soda) was excellent entertainment.  Cigarettes were part of life. Inside of each “C” ration meal was factory Marlboro, Salem, Pall Malls, Camel cigarettes. SP (Sundries Paks) came Viceroy, Pall Malls, Marlboro, Salem, by the carton! Reading paperback books, and playing cards was common (Gambling). Fishing in rivers was popular, some GI’s hunted deer and other small game (no fishing/hunting license REQUIRED!).

SOURCE: wikianswers.com

A Soldiers Pledge

Veterans and the New Health Care Law

Week of October 21, 2013

Oklahoma may be unique in that it makes mandatory the honoring of veterans throughout its public school system.

As part of its Celebrate Freedom Week, which coincides with the week of Veterans Day, each public school throughout the state conducts an appropriate Veterans Day Assembly program.  That entails at least one class period devoted to remembering and honoring America’s veterans.

Moreover, schools may choose to have a one-minute moment of silence beginning at 11 a.m. on November 11 or the next appropriate school day.

Click Here for Veterans Day Community Celebrations

The Cessna L-19/O-1 Bird Dog was the first all-metal fixed-wing aircraft ordered for and by the U.S. Army following the separation of the U.S. Army Air Forces from the Army in 1947, when the service became the U.S. Air Force (USAF). In addition to the U.S. Army and USAF, the Bird Dog served with the Unites States Marine Corps (USMC) and 19 foreign countries.

The Birddog was first built in 1950 by the Cessna Aircraft Company as a military reconnaissance plane. Between 1950 and 1964, 3,398 airframes were built. Originally called the L-19, these planes saw extensive duty during the Korean War from 1950–53, often in the hands of veteran World War II fighter and bomber pilots. The Bird Dog was re-designated the 0-1 in 1962 and was flown in Vietnam until that war ended in 1975. Continue reading →

We Need Your Help

If you are a Vietnam Veteran and participated in the Battle of Chu Moor with the 4th Infantry Division during April 1968 – we need your help.

A book was started during 2008 to document this battle and was not completed or published.  We received the original draft a few weeks ago and will be completing the book.  We need more information and pictures to present the best documentation possible.

If you have some pictures of this battle and could write a few paragraphs and the dates of your experience we would sincerely appreciate it. Please forward any pictures and your written experiences to our webmaster so we can include your information in the book.

Thank you so much.

charlie66-72-webmaster@yahoo.com

Army Launches Vietnam War Commemoration

Aug 30, 2013

WASHINGTON – The afternoon in the Pentagon auditorium on Aug. 28 was a time for reflection on a war that spanned 10 years and cost the country the lives of more than 58,000 young men and women. It was also an occasion to honor and thank nine Vietnam War veterans who’d served a total of 14 tours in-country and 225 years in uniform.

Kicking off the Pentagon’s first event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the conflict, Army Lt. Gen. Raymond V. Mason, deputy chief of staff for logistics, opened the ceremony recalling personal memories as well as his broader experiences as a young American citizen. Continue reading →