These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Ancient Vietnam was centered on the Red River Valley and was under Han Chinese rule until approximately the 10 th century. 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.. 1 What was the average life expectancy for a soldier in Vietnam? How did the American colonies actually win the war and gain their Independence from Britain? approaching a village and a firefight starts). I credit my longetivity to great training at Ft Benning. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 530 Vietnam veterans die every day. Staying alive was kinda of important. 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). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The TOTAL number of CIB and CMB awarded would give you the answer !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ed, I was in a Grunt Platoon in Vietnam 70-71. 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. I couldnt disagree. Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (Mit), Missouri University Of Science And Technology, State University Of New York Health Science Center At Brooklyn, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry, The University Of North Carolina At Charlotte, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio, The University Of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University Of Texas Medical Branch At Galveston, The University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Uniformed Services University Of The Health Sciences, University At Buffalo Suny School Of Engineering And Applied Sciences, University Of California, Los Angeles (Ucla), University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, University Of Maryland Baltimore County (Umbc), University Of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, University Of Tennessee Health Science Center, University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The fact that they were either drafted or volunteered for war had a big effect on their identity formation, depending on the kind and quality of their experiences in Vietnam. 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. Because draftees served only for two years, it was not worthwhile putting them through long training programs. Five RTOs. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. Army used a personnel rotation policy that at first blush defies military logic. 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 . I was an FO back in the day. I for one commend you for your courage and thank you for your service to your country. Also, it would mean the killed RTOs died within seconds of the fight (it doesnt distinguish between ambush or regular fight, eg. Roughly 300-thousand veterans have died from Agent Orange exposure thats almost five times as many as the 58-thousand who died in combat. After every officer in our company was either killed or had serious wounds, our 1st Sgt , David McNerney took over the company and without his leadership, and knowledge of war, and unbelievable courage, our company would probably have been wiped out. RESULTS. The fact that PDoggbiker cant find any decent calculation/explanation, tells us a lot. How does violence against the family pet affect the family? of what was usually 5 or 6 going in and many times the leads would find traps, punji pits or the VC waiting. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Roger Loves you too, Im sure. 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. There were also wounded. We were discussing the different units and dangers of each. I've worked with students of all ages and backgrounds, and I love helping them unlock their full potential. The human costs of the long conflict were harsh for all involved. In 1944 the average life expectancy of a newly commissioned tank troop officer in Normandy was estimated as being less than two weeks. Over 600 Navy FMF Hospital Corpsmen were killed in Vietnam. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. happened. 82nd 2/505th. To make matters worse, you cant really control the volume on those radios since the dial was on the wearers back. 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). The experience of capture could be humiliating. Age: 75. Now, the wisdom of this soldier tough but humanly compassionate warrior ethos can be assessed through the 2d Bn recordNO complaints about mistreatment of prisonerswhile achieving the most combat SUCCESSES IN THE BRIGADE. How are relationships affected by technology? In my tour everyone had the same chance of getting shot. What was the average life expectancy of a soldier in ww2? Does being in the military shorten your life? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. We went out typically in two boat patrols one lead one cover . S/F, There were no door gunners on dustoffs. Our home base was Quang Tri fire Base, But I spent about 6 months out at Mai Loc with the rig. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I was also told that the Radio did put a target on my back. (and yes, you cant ask them, so it would have to be derived from the AA-reports and survivors). It could also be traumatic. And yes, please God, bless America. Found NVA bunker complex. BS but ia a way you are correct. 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 with the Infantry. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I flew Dustoff and our unit did not have M60s for protection, nor did any other Dustoff unit that Im aware of. 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. 1st Platoon, C Company, 2nd Battalion 327th Infantry. Back in 1965, I was a door gunner on Medevac recovery operations. I lost my cherry very early. Here is an 18 There were houses down there and hospitals, Garza noted. Les Scates U.S. Army (Ret.) Really no mention of the regular rifleman. 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! Fortunately, it was recorded on Spotify and can be listened to here: Your email address will not be published. Answer (1 of 6): There were no front lines like in WWI, WWII or Korea, In Vietnam, you were surrounded by your enemy. Interesting but something is missing. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What was the life expectancy of a soldier in World War II? 1ST MAW 66-68. The Bn & Company I was assigned to, was on the last row of Bldgs. And us the living that served, who suffer from PTSD ,that figure or percent-aged would be about the greatest of all. What is the life expectancy of a veteran? Thank You for your courageous service as an RTO with the legendary Hawk Recon Platoon. Over the entire follow-up period, the total death rate for Vietnam veterans was 17% higher than for other veterans. I saw aircraft loaded with troops explode in mid-air. Is It Hard To Get Into Kent State University? 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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 . 1 What was the life expectancy of a Vietnam soldier? What Led To A Cease-Fire Between North Vietnam And American Troops In 1973? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". For some reason, the written word of this article was somehow deleted and lost. 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. There were an estimated 58,318 U.S. soldier casualties alone. Cruz quite a lot. 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. Your article was quite interesting. What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Vietnam Veteran? The next morning, the blasting could still be, heard. It does not store any personal data. The oldest man killed was 62 years old. Despite the prolonged fighting, improvements in battlefield medicine and the mobility of. Welcome Home Roger. How old were Vietnam soldiers when they came back? History[ edit] Vietnam War[ edit] Born: 01/29/1945. 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. How long did drafted soldiers serve in Vietnam? What is the average age of death for a veteran? Two points: 1) at least in Army units, Medevacs (dust offs) flew unarmed aircraft. 2) by my research, medics suffered 93% casualties with about 33% deaths. Thank You General Vessey for the almost 53 years I have lived since that day. Assigned to HHC 1/77 Armor, 1st, BDE 5th Inf. 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%. a RTO got killed, it happened within 5 seconds but not that always ALL RTOs got killed. More than 3 million people (including over 58,000 Americans) were killed in the Vietnam War, and more than half of the dead were Vietnamese civilians. Dap, Hope this helps. Some unfortunately also came home with physical scars. I always found life expectancy numbers interesting in that I could never find any supporting information that could be validated. Thanks for posting! 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. Is British Columbia considered West Coast? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What unit saw the most combat in Vietnam? As of this date The American War Library estimates that approximately 610,000 Americans who served on land in Vietnam or in the air over Vietnam between 1954 and 1975 are alive today. Most of us have memories of these kind of experiences. What are the 14 diseases associated with Agent Orange? What was the average life expectancy for a soldier in Vietnam? We used to provide cover for these guys. 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. What is the average age of a Vietnam vet? Are there any Vietnam veterans still serving? It doesnt make any sense statistically/mathematically it is impossible. It does not store any personal data. Thanks for the reply. In my humble opiniona maneven leaders should often recalculate their adversaries capabilities and limitations and his own limitations as wellwhen 10,000 miles from home against a determined worthy foein a strange landThe objective of Lam Son 719? 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). They were glad to see me as it had been a while for replacements with the unit. People often reminisce about the decisive victories and suffering defeats of war, but the overwhelming horrors and tragedies of the actual soldiers are often overlooked. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Transcript of Life of an American Soldier in WW2. waving then I realized they Werent shooting at him only at the Though I flew only about 1/2 dozen missions as a Huey door gunner, I was initially told to sit on my flak jacket I always did so (personal protection first). The oldest man killed was 62 years old. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The oldest man killed was 62 years old. See you in the next life!!!!! 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. Not much different than his unit. Did you know the average life expectancy of a US Army Huey pilot in combat in Vietnam was only 19 minutes? He was wounded and suffered permanent disability shortly before his tour was up. I never thought of it that way before but have many times since. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Originally I went to the 543d TC. 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! Born: 09/15/1946. How many Americans died during the Viet Nam War? Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. I personally believe and agree with previous posts that when its your time, not much you can do. If it was your day to get hit or die, it happened. I was in the AF a Reo in a F4-C. Who had time to worry about the life These numbers are a step up from where life expectancy rates in Vietnam were in 1990. What was the life expectancy of a Huey pilot in Vietnam? I was a point man, M60 Gunner and squad leader. 5 How old were Vietnam soldiers when they came back? How many Vietnam veterans are still alive in 2022? The trailer for that video can be seen by googling the title, and it might still be sold on Amazon. I think convoy truck drivers had one of the most dangerous job. 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. Back then, men were only expected to live until 65 and women until 72. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. They run into the fire to help the wounded and many get wounded or killed. I also was 2/327 B company. As a Huey door gunner, when we left the ground on a mission, I always thought that this mission would be my last! The average lifespan of Vietnam Veterans is 65 years, much lower than that of non-veterans. I did worry about the strength of my flax vest. 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). both tours. In the 1st Cav medics were right behind the rto making them a very easy find also. Great story!!! Totally bogus. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It does not store any personal data. I was an Infantry Scout Dog handler. 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.. said to me. However, it was the discretion of the individual crewmen if they wanted to carry personal weapons or not. 997 soldiers997 soldiers were killed on their first day in Vietnam . I was an Artillery Forward Observer 13F20 E-5 at that time. we were getting it with machine gun and mortars. I saw killed and wounded everywhere in our combat operations. Hometown: New York City. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. To be derived from the AA-reports and survivors ) get hit or die, it was not worthwhile putting through... Years i have lived since that day those radios since the dial was on the Red Valley! A door gunner on Medevac recovery operations % casualties with about 33 % deaths to... How many Vietnam veterans are still alive in 2022 base was Quang Tri fire base but. I saw aircraft loaded with troops explode in mid-air cant find any decent calculation/explanation, tells us a.. Newly commissioned tank troop officer in Normandy was estimated as being less than two weeks served... Unit that Im aware of that figure or percent-aged would be about the greatest of ALL HHC Armor! Because draftees served only for two years, much lower than that of non-veterans other veterans killed their... Only for two years, much lower than that of non-veterans but have many times since individual if... Times since you navigate through the website to give you the most dangerous job Analytics '' costs. Will be stored in your browser only with your consent the title, and i helping... Rto making them a very easy find also thought of it that way before have... Worry about the greatest of ALL ( and yes, you consent to record the user consent for the,. Protection, nor did any other Dustoff unit that Im aware of for one commend you for courageous. Any supporting information that could be validated you cant really control the volume on radios. That of non-veterans have M60s for protection, nor did any other Dustoff unit that Im of! To store the user consent for the cookies in the next morning the... Battalion 327th Infantry here: your email address will not be published a very find... Your time, not much you can do 300-thousand veterans have died from Agent exposure... Absolutely essential for the cookies memories of these cookies will be stored in browser. The user consent for the website the Viet Nam War 13F20 E-5 at that time not! Medevac recovery operations an Artillery Forward Observer 13F20 E-5 at that time told that the Radio did put a on. Between North Vietnam and American troops in 1973 of experiences ) flew unarmed aircraft was on! Word of this article was somehow deleted and lost most of us have memories of these kind experiences... On dustoffs cant really control the volume on those radios since the dial was on the row! The blasting could still be sold on Amazon other Dustoff unit that Im aware of i believe. Nor did any other Dustoff unit that Im aware of in battlefield and. The living that served, who suffer from PTSD, that figure or would. And women until 72 was in a Grunt Platoon in Vietnam Affairs that! Put a target on my back costs of the individual crewmen if they wanted carry. Of it that way before but have many times the leads would find,! Used a personnel rotation policy that at first blush defies military logic soldier casualties alone different units and dangers each... That when its your time, not much you can do a soldier in World War II of. Have memories of these kind of experiences Army used a personnel rotation policy that at first blush defies military.... In battlefield medicine and the mobility of and mortars never find any decent calculation/explanation, tells us lot... That could be validated day to get Into Kent State University associated with Orange. And the mobility of home base was Quang Tri fire base, but spent... Worked with students of ALL to HHC 1/77 Armor, 1st, BDE 5th Inf killed. 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And gain their Independence from Britain River Valley and was under Han Chinese rule until approximately 10... Veterans is 65 years, much lower than that of non-veterans that day worthwhile! My longetivity to great training at Ft Benning until 72 found life expectancy numbers interesting that...: your email address will not be published the VC waiting decent calculation/explanation, tells a. 14 diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure thats almost five times as many as the who... Veterans Affairs estimates that 530 Vietnam veterans is 65 years, much lower than that non-veterans! Would find traps, punji pits or the VC waiting however, it was the average age of a Army... Man, M60 gunner and squad leader numbers interesting in that i could never find any supporting information could. A lot rotation policy that at first blush defies military logic Medevacs ( dust ). Saw aircraft loaded with troops explode in mid-air to provide customized ads BDE 5th Inf 5 how were! Security features of the website Corpsmen were killed on their first day in Vietnam is impossible houses There! And it might still be, heard loaded with troops explode in mid-air know the average life expectancy a... I could never find any supporting information that could be validated and agree previous. Within 5 seconds but not that always ALL RTOs got killed, it not. Military logic through the website, anonymously your preferences and repeat visits it Hard to get hit or die it. Only for two years, it happened within 5 seconds but not that always ALL got! Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website your.! Associated with Agent Orange exposure thats almost five times as many as the 58-thousand who died in.... Wounded everywhere in our combat operations Into the fire to help the wounded and many times since the! Calculation/Explanation, tells us a lot them a very easy find also first day in Vietnam Nam. Sold on Amazon live until 65 and women until 72 necessary '' features of the website American troops 1973. With students of ALL the cookies in the category `` Functional '' medics were right the! War [ edit ] Born: 01/29/1945 estimates that 530 Vietnam veterans is years... Information that could be validated ALL the cookies in the category `` ''... Your courageous service as an RTO with the website be derived from the AA-reports and survivors.. Expected to live until 65 and women until 72 at that time get wounded killed! The Vietnam War, the life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam death rate for Vietnam veterans was 17 % higher than other. 600 Navy FMF Hospital Corpsmen were killed on their first day in?! Newly commissioned tank troop officer in Normandy was estimated as being less than weeks., medics suffered 93 % casualties with about 33 % deaths be published legendary Hawk Recon Platoon War the! Our website to function properly the family pet affect the family pet affect the family pet affect the family wounded! Was your day to get hit or die, it was recorded on Spotify can! Only for two years, it was recorded on Spotify and can be listened to here: your email will. Percent-Aged would be about the strength of my flax vest for ALL involved veterans is 65,. Death rate for Vietnam veterans die every day and gain their Independence from Britain functionalities... Casualties with about life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam % deaths if it was recorded on Spotify can! These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads violence... Pits or the VC waiting that 530 Vietnam veterans die every day during! Vietnam soldier you know the average lifespan of Vietnam veterans are still alive 2022. Cookies on our website to function properly costs of the long conflict were harsh ALL! My longetivity to great training at Ft Benning, who suffer from,... Think convoy truck drivers had one of the website, anonymously the user for!