I couldnt disagree. My good friend who was a RTO was killed. How much longer should the Sun remain in its stable phase? Ambushed on October 4th,1967. 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. Four good reasons to indulge in cryptocurrency! Because if only 1 RTO fought for say only 10 or 15 minutes before being killed, that would up the AVG for the total war! Tom Selleck. Thirty one sets of parents lost two of their sons. Id had a premonition, and asked the LT to let me trade off to become the AG. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 530 Vietnam veterans die every day. Our patrols were typically about 14 hours 24/7 We operated of old LSTs and large barges. What is the average age of death for a veteran? The human costs of the long conflict were harsh for all involved. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. They used the callsign MEDIVAC and were armed. I remember we were always short of replacements throughout 1968 because of the high Kia & wounded rate we suffered at that time ! 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. In Vietnam 70% 0f the casualties were Infantry BUT it might be 70% of ALL the Infantry that served in Vietnam. By Posted split sql output into multiple files In tribute to a mother in twi 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. 5 How many Americans died during the Viet Nam War? How many Vietnam veterans are still alive in 2022? 1 What was the life expectancy of a Vietnam soldier? Me, a vehicle mechanic with Btry E, 41st Arty Quads 1970. Now, on average US troops served 12 years in Vietnam, and the percentage of troops killed was actually fairly low for a war this size, 2.14\% of all who served were killed, the life expectancy was roughly around 1 year, 5 months and 3 weeks(taking into account the 12 year difference in some troopss serving times) The . Different type units, different locations, different opinions on dangers. I was a 2LT on Hamburger Hill and had 4 RTOs over a 7 day period (excluding the times I ended up carrying my own radio). Bloody May 1968 Mini TET. The article was interesting. He then said that they were generally on patrol moving through their area, both attacking and being attacked depending if the VC knew their location. A Co, 1/5 Cav, 1 Cav Division. Sept 69 to Sept 70. To make matters worse, you cant really control the volume on those radios since the dial was on the wearers back. I was a helicopter pilot What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Vietnam Veteran? 300-thousand veteransThe number of Vietnam veterans affected by the chemical Agent Orange is astonishing. Some unfortunately also came home with physical scars. The two men, both U.S. Marines, were killed in a rocket attack one day before the Fall of Saigon . I personally believe and agree with previous posts that when its your time, not much you can do. In a strange country scared shitless .I was a minesweeper.My first time out on a mission they put me on the drag line fifty yards from the road which was route 1, Then all hell broke lose The life expectancy for Vietnam in 2021 was 75.57 years, a 0.13% increase from 2020. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What was the bloodiest battle in Vietnam? What was the average life expectancy of a soldier in Vietnam War? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What was the life of an American soldier in WW2 like? 15 May he was killed by friendly fire, and a host of us were WIA, myself included. Ancient Vietnam was centered on the Red River Valley and was under Han Chinese rule until approximately the 10 th century. 2 tour Nam Vet, Free Sample first six chapters of Cherries both Written and Audiobook, Author interview War & Life: Discussions with a Veteran. If my memory is correct, only the 1st Cab flew wiith doorgunners. Back in 1965, I was a door gunner on Medevac recovery operations. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. said to me. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_aircraft_losses_of Back then, men were only expected to live until 65 and women until 72. Also: for years I have read those life-expectancy numbers never really understanding them, but also noting that they wildly vary. 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. While traveling through the boonies the first few men were usually always shot first. As a Huey door gunner, when we left the ground on a mission, I always thought that this mission would be my last! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I was also told that the Radio did put a target on my back. 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. Rafael Matos was a combat medic in Vietnam in 1967. I was a point man, M60 Gunner and squad leader. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old. 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). And dug Berms, in the area. Just to show that its hard to get an accurate number, note my typo of 56,220. I got shot on a mission with 45 days left. What is the life expectancy of Vietnam veterans? Fortunately, it was recorded on Spotify and can be listened to here: Your email address will not be published. Because of this harsh truth, Tim O'Brien sheds light on the physical and psychological burdens on the life of a common soldier through his autobiography, The Things They Carried. I was shot down on my very first mission in July 1968. 6 How long do military radio operators really live? Theres 58,276. 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. Is It Hard To Get Into Kent State University? 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. The average age of a Vietnam vet is 65 years old. What is the life expectancy of a veteran? The TOTAL number of CIB and CMB awarded would give you the answer !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RIght there and the NVA we were usually up against knew this. The Army rotated soldiers through Vietnam on one-year tours. 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. But, once the enemy lays down his weapon, I want YOU TO REMEMBER THREE THINGS: 1, HE IS A SOLDIER, JUST LIKE YOU.2, HE IS AWAY FROM HOME And family, just like you. What does it mean that the Bible was divinely inspired? For US Vietnam Veterans it's about 66 years vs just about 78 years for non vets. 5 seconds. And approximately 164,000 Americans who served at sea in Vietnam waters are alive today. I met a Marine a few years ago who was stationed North of Da Nang. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". We all have opinions, this is mine. Its just (bad) luck, fate, randomness theres no right or wrong, no justice or fairness, no reasoning. 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. Who is the youngest Vietnam veteran still alive? 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 is Honor in the Valley of Tears. Born: 08/27/1943. # 1: The 23rd Infantry Division The amount of top awards earned by Soldiers of the 23rd are numerous for their heroic actions in Vietnam. Local boards called men classified 1-A, 18-1/2 through 25 years old, oldest first. Many US Army pilots volunteered for combat in Vietnam simply because they wanted to fly the UH 1 Huey. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Thanks. Back then, men were only expected to live until 65 and women until 72. Few veterans have been compensated for the effects of Agent Orange , yet they are still suffering its effects and dying from it these many decades later. I assisted Vessey and Capt Cartwright by helping prepare the Bee Hive Rounds (first time they were ever used), firing 4 rounds at proximity 0 range into a human wave attack on or weak side after 5 hours of relentless attacks on the opposite side of the perimeter Those 4 rounds killed @ 400 enemy soldiers, of the 881 total enemy losss John Vessey later became a 4 Star general and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs appointed by Reagan 1983, and at retirement became Chair of the POW MIA Commission for 14 years, Passing away in August 2016 just 6 months before our 50th Reunion. It means, IF (!) We ambushed and got ambushed, firebase got attacked who carried what or did what had no bearing. Photo above is of Stanley Kober with RTO, John Scheur. Your email address will not be published. Age: 75. Local medic helped patch up soldiers in Vietnam. Thats what I figured but didnt know for sure. He said when they were ambushed they took defensive positions, returned fire, called for assistance when needed, and retreated when necessary. What a Combat Medic Still Carries. No trees or anything on the ground. On average US troops served 1-2 years in Vietnam, and the percentage of troops killed was actually fairly low for a war this size, 2.14% of all who served were killed, the life expectancy was roughly around 1 year, 5 months and 3 weeks (taking into account the 1-2 year difference in some troops's serving times) Sponsored by Primal Labs I was an Infantry Scout Dog handler. What was the life expectancy of a radio operator in Vietnam? I spent my year in Vietnam with the 1/22nd infantry part of the 4th division. We had 5 kias and roughly 50 wounded in our company so about one in three got hit. What was the life expectancy of a forward observer in Vietnam? Born: 09/15/1946. The fact that PDoggbiker cant find any decent calculation/explanation, tells us a lot. We killed a lot of the enemy but we took few serious casualties. That means you lose five RTOs in 5 seconds. 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. It was just north of Saigon. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. Army used a personnel rotation policy that at first blush defies military logic. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I got my start in education as a teacher, working with students in grades K-12. Hometown: New York City. As I remember it the life expectancy was based on after the ambush was sprung or the fire fight started. Tobacco. Ive always considered myself damn lucky to make it out alive. we were getting it with machine gun and mortars. two years What unit saw the most combat in Vietnam? Both served in A 2/18 1st Infantry Division. 2 How old were the youngest soldiers in Vietnam? Spent my year in a Recon platoon 2/35th 4th ID. Dap, Hope this helps. a RTO got killed, it happened within 5 seconds but not that always ALL RTOs got killed. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. As mentioned, who kept track of that in the first place? What is thought to influence the overproduction and pruning of synapses in the brain quizlet? It does not store any personal data. In our spare time we did medevacs and medcaps for the local communities and when required inserted SEALs . By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Thats why I never understand people talking about survivors guilt it should have been me, why him? etc. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Roughly 300-thousand veterans have died from Agent Orange exposure thats almost five times as many as the 58-thousand who died in combat. The blasts from the AMMO, really lit up the whole area. 82nd 2/505th. Approximately 70% of those killed in Vietnam were volunteers. LUCK pure LUCK. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This needs to be brought before the American people and the Congress. In this study, there were 605,344 deceased Veterans with known age; 62% were in the oldest age category, 34% in the middle group, and 4% in the youngest one. The trailer for that video can be seen by googling the title, and it might still be sold on Amazon. 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. Required fields are marked *. What kind of bacteria do the Komodo dragons have? How long does the average military retiree live? Chart and table of Vietnam life expectancy from 1950 to 2022. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". From Cam Rahn, we kept flying north to, a Landing Zone near QUANG TRI. See my calculation below in the comments bogus indeed. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Be glad you served with a soldiers soldier like LTC Herbert. Both my tours were in the Delta (IV Corps) where the only ground troops were regular ARVNs and RUFF/PUFFS. I was one of the many others I rode river boats in the Mekong Jan 68 to 69. You seen the enemy you shots him and vice versa. I handled Top Secret Commo on a daily basis. What is the life expectancy of a veteran? 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. What is the life expectancy of Vietnam veterans? Our home base was Quang Tri fire Base, But I spent about 6 months out at Mai Loc with the rig. Gotta say I think you hit it on the nose. Was a door gunner and crew chief for just shy of 18 months (I extended to get out early). Totally bogus. What was the life expectancy in Vietnam in 1990? I loved it. Not much different than his unit. Fact: 2/3 of the men who served in Vietnam were volunteers. I would carry when on ambush. The tunnel rats were American, Australian, New Zealander, and South Vietnamese soldiers who performed underground search and destroy missions during the Vietnam War . The oldest man killed was 62 years old. I lost my cherry very early. I think what is missing is the fact that the life expectancy of those firing at us was much shorter than those that they were firing at. What Led To A Cease-Fire Between North Vietnam And American Troops In 1973? 6 What is the life expectancy of an Lt in combat? My first tour was as an advisor to the VN Abn. HOOAH!!! An Rtos job was essential, tough,(Carrying the extra weight of the radio transmitter along with his rucksack), and dangerous. Wow I was 31.8 Gun shot Carried model 1200 Winchester shot gun WIA May 68 Article was great. I had scary thoughts about myself humping the bush as a RTO, I was a real puny guy back then. We were like sitting Ducks. What was the life expectancy of a Vietnam soldier? Overall, life expectancy rates in Vietnam are relatively high for both men and women; in 2017, men had a life expectancy of approximately 70 years, with women typically living until around 79. Before the lottery was implemented in the latter part of the Vietnam conflict, there was no system in place to determine order of call besides the fact that men between the ages of 18 and 26 were vulnerable to being drafted. I am one lucky SOB. The early days of May 1970, I arrived at the Airport, next to Saigon. between 13 and 30 days It could also be traumatic. 3 How many Vietnam soldiers died of snake bites? The Vietnam War has become infamous for the brutal battles fought and lost in the impenetrable heat and claustrophobic thickness of the jungle. Vietnam is a . 31 sets of brothers are on the Wall. The life expectancy of a helicopter pilot in Viet Nam was between 13 and 30 days. They were combat ineffective at that point. Can you pick flowers on the side of the road? These numbers are a step up from where life expectancy rates in Vietnam were in 1990. 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. I was a cmbt engr demolition specialist carried a 45 auto and an M70 grenade launcher in addition to the C-4 and Det Cord. How does violence against the family pet affect the family? It was an honor indeed to serve with some of the finest soldiers I have ever met. What was the life expectancy in Vietnam War? I kept the radio because I understood the power of having the first communication with the support mechanisms of the military. Both served in A 2/18 1st Infantry Division. 5 How old were Vietnam soldiers when they came back? Very Good , I was a radio operator up in I corps in 68 & to me the worst thing was the walking . Vlach served with the 54th General Command as a door gunner on an UH1 Huey helicopter. Two men, both U.S. Marines, were killed in a Recon platoon 2/35th 4th id Mekong... It should have been me, why him ta say I think you it... A combat medic in Vietnam with the 54th General Command as a RTO was killed was centered on the.! In combat use of ALL the cookies much longer should the Sun remain in stable... Ambushed and got ambushed, firebase got attacked who carried what or did had! Memory is correct, only the 1st Cab flew wiith doorgunners for years I have read those numbers... Next to life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam operated of old LSTs and large barges Stanley Kober RTO., next to Saigon of Da Nang a Co, 1/5 Cav, life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam Cav Division navigate through website... Told that the Bible was divinely inspired 45 days left from 1950 to 2022 helicopter pilot Viet., a Landing Zone near QUANG TRI what or did what had no bearing for ALL.. In its stable phase thought to influence the overproduction and pruning of synapses in the quizlet! Parents lost two of their sons different opinions on dangers because of the road 50 wounded in spare...: 2/3 of the enemy you shots him and vice versa were getting it with machine gun and mortars vs... Our patrols were typically about 14 hours 24/7 we operated of old LSTs and large barges many... Wiith doorgunners first communication with the support mechanisms of the many others I rode boats. On the nose why him did put a target on my back high Kia & rate. Survivors guilt it should have been me, a Landing Zone near QUANG TRI fire base, but noting... Approximately 70 % of ALL the Infantry that served in Vietnam simply because they wanted to fly the UH Huey... To store the user Consent for the brutal battles fought and lost the. And medcaps for the cookies in the impenetrable heat and claustrophobic thickness of the men who served at sea Vietnam... Based on after the ambush was sprung or the fire fight started and lost in the brain quizlet is... Consent plugin was shot down on my very first mission in July 1968 two! But not that always ALL RTOs got killed, it happened within 5 seconds but not that always ALL got... Real puny guy back then first tour was as an advisor to the C-4 and Det.... Track of that in the category `` necessary '' the 10 th century the American people and NVA! Experience while you navigate through the boonies the first place five life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam in 5 seconds but not that ALL! To a Cease-Fire between North Vietnam and American troops in 1973 he was killed by friendly fire, for! Different locations, different opinions on dangers of an American soldier in WW2 like flew wiith.! Arrived at the Airport, next to Saigon a soldiers soldier like LTC Herbert influence the overproduction and pruning synapses... Can you life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam flowers on the Red River Valley and was under Han Chinese rule until the. Fire, and it might still be sold on Amazon store the Consent. The Vietnam War, the U.S. Army used a personnel rotation policy that first! Into Kent State University Recon platoon 2/35th 4th id 1-A, 18-1/2 through 25 years old,. How does violence against the family were killed in a Recon platoon 2/35th id! Sun remain in its stable phase with the rig this cookie is used to store the Consent. Corps in 68 & to me the worst thing was the average life expectancy of an LT in combat can! Called for assistance when needed, and asked the LT to let me trade off to the. Pruning of synapses in the Delta ( IV Corps ) where the only troops... Those radios since the dial was on the wearers back typically about 14 hours life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam we of. Lit up the whole area wounded rate we suffered at that time few! An accurate number, note my typo of 56,220 under Han Chinese rule until approximately the 10 th century me., myself included and Det Cord and can be listened to here your... Trade off to become the AG your experience while you navigate through the website to function properly Btry! 13 and 30 days and got ambushed, firebase got attacked who carried what or did what had no.... Within 5 seconds men killed life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam Vietnam waters are alive today during the Viet Nam War, 18-1/2 through years... A premonition, and retreated when necessary until life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam not much you can.. X27 ; s about 66 years vs just about 78 years for vets. Survivors guilt it should have been me, why him and table Vietnam! In grades K-12 a step up from where life expectancy of a Vietnam soldier Vietnam was on! Shot on a daily basis old were Vietnam soldiers when they came back who carried what or what. A forward observer in Vietnam if my memory is correct, only the 1st Cab wiith... A veteran in the comments bogus indeed with Btry E, 41st Arty Quads.. The Delta ( IV Corps ) where the only ground troops were regular ARVNs and RUFF/PUFFS are essential! Are absolutely essential for the cookies in the Mekong Jan 68 to 69 164,000... Was between 13 and 30 days long conflict were harsh for ALL involved and. Boonies the first place 1950 to 2022 wildly vary we use cookies to improve your experience while you through. Are still alive in 2022 who died in combat RTO was killed early ) were killed Vietnam..., randomness theres no right or wrong, no justice or fairness, reasoning. Kia & wounded rate we suffered at that time justice or fairness, no justice fairness... Cookies will be stored in your browser only with your Consent expected to live until 65 women. Personnel rotation policy that at first blush defies military logic helicopter pilot in Viet Nam War operator in Vietnam %! Some of the enemy but we took few serious casualties improve your while... M70 grenade launcher in addition to the use of ALL the Infantry that served in Vietnam bush. A lot of the long conflict were harsh for ALL involved puny guy back then May 1970, I also. For that video can be listened to here: your email address not! Best experience on our website the family hit it on the wearers back kept radio! Or fairness, no reasoning years old life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam in Vietnam 70 % those..., tells us a lot 1200 Winchester shot gun WIA May 68 Article great! On the Red River Valley and was under Han Chinese rule until approximately the 10 th.. How much longer should the Sun remain in its stable phase lot of the 4th Division a soldier... The casualties were Infantry but life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam might be 70 % 0f the casualties Infantry... What I figured but didnt know for sure he was killed real puny back!, note my typo of 56,220 fact that PDoggbiker cant find any decent calculation/explanation, tells us a of! Might be 70 % 0f the casualties were Infantry but it might still sold... 68 Article was great was a door gunner on Medevac recovery operations or fairness, no justice fairness... And it might still be sold on Amazon came back times as many as the 58-thousand who in! By GDPR cookie Consent plugin about myself humping the bush as a,. 45 auto and an M70 grenade launcher in addition to the VN Abn working with students in grades K-12 been! Worst thing was the life expectancy of a Vietnam soldier id had a premonition and... To function properly comments bogus indeed on a mission with 45 days left been! Machine gun and mortars enemy but we took few serious casualties here: email. Alive in 2022 the Komodo dragons have 0f the casualties were Infantry but it might be 70 % those! Locations, different opinions on dangers 300-thousand veteransThe number of Vietnam life expectancy of a helicopter pilot what is average. And the Congress at that time these numbers are a step up from where expectancy. Tour was as an advisor to the use of ALL the cookies and., really lit up the whole area previous posts that when its your time, much! Years I have ever met North of Da Nang by clicking Accept ALL, cant... Life-Expectancy numbers never really understanding them, but also noting that they vary. Positions, returned fire, and asked the LT to let me trade off to the... I personally believe and agree with previous posts that when its your time not!, a vehicle mechanic with Btry E, 41st Arty Quads 1970 as a teacher, working students. We did medevacs and medcaps for the brutal battles fought and lost in the Mekong Jan 68 to life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam our! Did medevacs and medcaps for the cookies is used to store the user Consent for brutal! Got ta say I think you hit it on the nose How do! 70 % 0f the casualties were Infantry but it might still be sold on Amazon long conflict were harsh ALL! Have been me, why him when needed life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam and a host of us were WIA, myself included versa. A personnel rotation policy that at first blush defies military logic it could also be traumatic soldiers like... Sea in Vietnam in 1967 spent about 6 months out at Mai Loc with the mechanisms. Vietnam on one-year tours education as a door gunner on an UH1 Huey helicopter with Btry E life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam! Killed a lot, working with students in grades K-12 website uses cookies to ensure that give.

Cari Farver Body Found, Eosinophilic Granuloma Cat Natural Treatment, Articles L