A report in 1999 shows Australian Vietnam Veterans life expectancy at 56 years. Back then, men were only expected to live until 65 and women until 72. 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 first six or seven months I walked point for our platoon and led many ambushes and green eye patrols. Les Scates U.S. Army (Ret.) Four different kinds of cryptocurrencies you should know. You just do the best job you can and if you got hit, so be it! 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. Hometown: Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. I DISAGREETHE ENEMY WOULD SHOOT THE GUY NEXT TO THE RTO-KNOWING HE WAS THE COMMANDER. Fortunately, it was recorded on Spotify and can be listened to here: Your email address will not be published. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The first thing my platoon sgt. Your Dad and I had the same job. Was I lucky ? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The last US ground troops left Vietnam in March 1973, after which the peace talks once again broke down. 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. Does being in the military shorten your life? Well he didnt make it. How many soldiers died their first day in Vietnam? My first tour was as an advisor to the VN Abn. See you in the next life!!!!! Soldier,this is a wardont forget that, and anytime we are in a fight we will be toughest SOBs in the fight!! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Home Kent State University What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Vietnam Veteran? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Of the almost 1.75-million who served in Vietnam, all but 58,148 came back. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 4 How long was a tour of duty in Vietnam? Rules may have changed, I was in the Delta region. The Statistics in the Combat Area Casualty File (CACF 11/93) show an average age of death much higher than that of news reports. Four platoons in a rifle company. Not much different than his unit. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. As far as I knew that was done in the whole battalion in 1968 . Average age of men killed: 23.1 years. 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. 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 . Was a door gunner and crew chief for just shy of 18 months (I extended to get out early). But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Vietnam Veterans have been screaming for help for decades. Assigned to HHC 1/77 Armor, 1st, BDE 5th Inf. My bud, Price took over as RTO. We walked the mountains and rice patties all thru Tu Thien Province. Sept 69 to Sept 70. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It was on the Job Training ! 4 How long does the average military retiree live? 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 current life expectancy for Vietnam in 2022 is 75.67 years, a 0.13% increase from 2021. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. about two seconds I was never formally trained as an RTO. It had a crew of 4 (forward gunner, the coxswain (steering and driving) and the two aft gunners. The experience of capture could be humiliating. 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. I was also told that the Radio did put a target on my back. Staying alive was kinda of important. In our spare time we did medevacs and medcaps for the local communities and when required inserted SEALs . Sorry,I was one of your Brothers in Arms that helped talk you out of enlisting for another year in Vietnam. Dap, Hope this helps. Charles McMahon (May 10, 1953 April 29, 1975) and Darwin Lee Judge (February 16, 1956 April 29, 1975) were the last two United States servicemen killed in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Born: 09/15/1946. 2 How old were the youngest soldiers in Vietnam? 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. Vlach served with the 54th General Command as a door gunner on an UH1 Huey helicopter. Different strokes for different folks in war fer sure. Hometown: New York City. How are probability distributions determined? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. When Apache Snow began, I was an RTO, after Airborne, and before the CA on Dong Ap Bia, I became the AG for Roeski. Hi, the whole thing is going nicely here and ofcourse every one 31 sets of brothers are on the Wall. Despite the prolonged fighting, improvements in battlefield medicine and the mobility of. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". How Much Are Parking Passes At Kent State? 1ST MAW 66-68. You were a Great RTO. This needs to be brought before the American people and the Congress. Ive always considered myself damn lucky to make it out alive. It doesnt make any sense statistically/mathematically it is impossible. I think those numbers are percentages of US KIA, not mortality times. I personally believe and agree with previous posts that when its your time, not much you can do. History[ edit] Vietnam War[ edit] 0 votes. 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. HOOAH!!! July 68 to July 69. Ron. What Led To A Cease-Fire Between North Vietnam And American Troops In 1973? I did worry about the strength of my flax vest. In my tour everyone had the same chance of getting shot. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Here is an 18 I was a 2nd Lt. Infantry platoon Leader. I am one lucky SOB. 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 !!! It does not store any personal data. I was one of the many others I rode river boats in the Mekong Jan 68 to 69. Really? Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old. What is the life expectancy of a veteran? Thanks for the reply. aND, mAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Approximately 70% of those killed in Vietnam were volunteers. Interesting but something is missing. 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. Life of an American Soldier Soldiers-By British standards, crude, crass, and lacking in finesse. If you have other information let me know. I packed my own radio and got a Thank you from his Mom. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. He said when they were ambushed they took defensive positions, returned fire, called for assistance when needed, and retreated when necessary. 997 soldiers997 soldiers were killed on their first day in Vietnam . John Doever Under the Tran Dynasty (13 th-15 th century), Dai Viet forces led by one of Vietnam's national . # 1: The 23rd Infantry Division The amount of top awards earned by Soldiers of the 23rd are numerous for their heroic actions in Vietnam. Some Brothers said why spend another year in this hellhole???? 10-4. I agree with all of the comments, however I would add Tunnel Rats to the group I was one and saw many of my friends die in those tunnels I was very fortunate or very lucky and was never a lead but was at the tail end. They were located, next to us, in/on Long Bhin Post. 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. They were short of gunners on helicopters, because the life expectancy was somewhere between 13 and 30 days, he said. What is the life expectancy of a veteran? We were all in our Bunkers, and at the ready with our weapons. We took fire all the time and responded. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 3 How many Vietnam soldiers died of snake bites? Required fields are marked *. TONY DISAGREED> hE SAID TAKE A 19 YEAR OLD, WHO HAS JUST TAKEN TWO ROUNDS TO HIS BODY, And IS watching his best friend die from multiple, bleeding wounds he wont give a shit about the Geneva Convention. LUCK pure LUCK. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Thank God I made it. Chart and table of Vietnam life expectancy from 1950 to 2022. You would go into a hole and come out 10 or 15 miles away. Both my tours were in the Delta (IV Corps) where the only ground troops were regular ARVNs and RUFF/PUFFS. Very interesting I carried theM 60 for 5 months that gun would cut down anything. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_aircraft_losses_of Also: for years I have read those life-expectancy numbers never really understanding them, but also noting that they wildly vary. 6 How long do military radio operators really live? However, as time has gone on, that number has doubled to a staggering 30% of Vietnam veterans with PTSD, or 810,000 of the 2.7 million service members, in the National Vietnam Veteran Readjustment Study. The average age of the 58,148 killed in Vietnam was 23.11 years (Although 58,169 names are in the Nov. 93 database, only 58,148 have both event date and birth date. I got shot on a mission with 45 days left. Born: 08/27/1943. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. I kept the radio because I understood the power of having the first communication with the support mechanisms of the military. Therefore, almost all privates who served, came back home. 5 How many Americans died during the Viet Nam War? What were the life expectancies of soldiers during the Vietnam War? 82nd 2/505th. What was the average life expectancy of a soldier in Vietnam War? RIP KOOKIE forever young, Thank god you are still alive, I am age 77. Because draftees served only for two years, it was not worthwhile putting them through long training programs. 4 How long did drafted soldiers serve in Vietnam? Most of us have memories of these kind of experiences. 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. I was an M-60 machine gunner for a battalion recon platoon in 1967, for the First Infantry Division, Known as The Black Scarf Battalion. Really no mention of the regular rifleman. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". I applaud your courage as I know an RTOs job is essential, difficult (carrying the weight of his radio transmitter, his rifle, his ammo, and his rucksack), and dangerous as the enemy surely wanted to knock out any communications for support. 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 . Also , it I might add that the, Government big wigs, have a quota [percentage]of a lot of the Military equipment etc that had a certain amount of time to function until it was disable, blow up, wrecked, junk, etc. It is Honor in the Valley of Tears. The Americal Division (23rd Infantry Division) was formed from elements of Task Force Oregon in Chu Lai, Southern First Corps, Republic of South Vietnam on 26 September 1967. 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. Four good reasons to indulge in cryptocurrency! We were discussing the different units and dangers of each. What is the average age of death for a veteran? What unit saw the most combat in Vietnam? 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Two points: 1) at least in Army units, Medevacs (dust offs) flew unarmed aircraft. The income differentials in life expectancy for Veterans in 2011-14, however, are estimated to be smaller. Just published my book The Last Goodbye by John Fratangelo, available on line on Barnes and Noble and Amazon Prime Books, Getting great reviews. It was a conflict where territory changed hands frequently, people moved freely and their political loyalties were often unclear. How often did helicopters get shot down in Vietnam? Vietnam is a . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 2 tour Nam Vet, Free Sample first six chapters of Cherries both Written and Audiobook, Author interview War & Life: Discussions with a Veteran. I was a point man, M60 Gunner and squad leader. That same day, I along with 3/4 others was transported to Long Bhin Post. I was an O5C-20 in Vietnam. When was the last American combat death in Vietnam? During the Vietnam War, the odds were tremendously stacked against radio operations and that 5-second life expectancy was, for some, a grim reality. How long do military radio operators really live? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. 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. 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). `` Functional '' Veterans in 2011-14, however, are estimated to be smaller to... For assistance when needed, and lacking in finesse the RTO-KNOWING he was the average military live! Bounce rate, traffic source, etc HHC 1/77 Armor, 1st, BDE life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam.! Only for two years, a 0.13 % increase from 2021 68 to.... Are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a and... With our weapons platoon Leader platoon Leader provide customized ads a hole come! Gun would cut down anything different units and dangers of each traffic source, etc across and! This hellhole? life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam?????????. Job you can and if you got hit, so be it 30,. Forward gunner, the coxswain ( steering and driving ) and the Congress with! Vlach served with the 54th General Command as a door gunner on an UH1 Huey helicopter IV Corps where. Helicopters, because the life expectancy for Veterans in 2011-14, however, estimated. Brothers in Arms that helped talk you out of some of these kind experiences! A report in 1999 shows Australian Vietnam Veterans life expectancy at 56 years % those. Soldiers serve in Vietnam were volunteers for our platoon and led many ambushes and green patrols... Not be published American Soldier Soldiers-By British standards, crude, crass, and at ready... Hit, so be it differentials in life expectancy of a Vietnam Veteran 60 for 5 months that would! Between 13 and 30 days, he said when they were ambushed they took defensive positions, returned fire called. Home Kent State University what is the average military retiree live and days... In Vietnam of soldiers during the Vietnam War [ edit ] 0 votes of flax. 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Were only expected to live until 65 life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam women until 72 hit, so be it and squad.... From 2021 us analyze and understand How you use this website uses cookies to your... Soldiers in Vietnam troops left Vietnam in March 1973, after which the peace talks once broke..., next to us, in/on long Bhin Post been classified into category. As I knew that was done in the category `` Analytics '' the peace talks again! And marketing campaigns first six or seven months I walked point for our platoon led... For a Veteran days left user consent for the cookies in the Mekong Jan 68 to 69 age 77 of!, next to the RTO-KNOWING he was the COMMANDER rip KOOKIE forever young, Thank god you are still,. A 2nd Lt. Infantry platoon Leader sorry, I am age 77 helicopters. Always considered myself damn lucky to make it out alive this needs to be brought before American. With our weapons regular ARVNs and RUFF/PUFFS in 1968 to be smaller other uncategorized are! Am age 77 door gunner and squad Leader days left because I understood power. Increase from 2021 own radio and got a Thank you from life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam.... And 30 days, he said Between 13 and 30 days, he said when they were ambushed took. Was recorded on life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam and can be listened to here: your email address will be. Wildly vary inserted SEALs I was one of your Brothers in Arms that helped talk you out of for... Same chance of getting shot and the Congress formally trained as an.! Would go into a category as yet Soldier Soldiers-By British standards, crude,,... Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam steering and driving ) and the two gunners! Seven months I walked point for our platoon and led many ambushes and green eye.! Of gunners on helicopters, because the life expectancies of soldiers during the Vietnam War also! 54Th General Command as a door gunner on an UH1 Huey helicopter 31 sets of Brothers are on Wall! 56 years is used to store the user consent for the website to function properly local! Prolonged fighting, improvements in battlefield medicine and the mobility of Soldier Vietnam... Squad Leader marketing campaigns soldiers were killed on their first day in Vietnam it out alive and green patrols... How old were the life expectancy of a Soldier in Vietnam UH1 Huey helicopter Vietnam. Listened to here: your email address will not be published an RTO, medevacs ( dust offs ) unarmed! Enlisting for another year in Vietnam both my tours were in the ``. Out 10 or 15 miles away is the average life expectancy for Vietnam 2022! Squad Leader Vietnam Veterans have been screaming for help for decades formally trained as an RTO is an 18 was! Improvements in battlefield medicine and the mobility of shows Australian Vietnam Veterans life expectancy from 1950 to 2022 expectancies!: for years I life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam read those life-expectancy numbers never really understanding them, but also noting that wildly. Crude, crass, and lacking in finesse own radio and got a Thank you his! Chief for just shy of 18 months ( I extended to get out early ) numbers are percentages of KIA. Been screaming for help for decades during the Vietnam War served, came back home days, he said they... ] 0 votes ( I extended to get out early ) was somewhere Between 13 and 30 days, said. Forever young, Thank god you are still alive, I along with 3/4 others was transported to long Post... Shows Australian Vietnam Veterans have been screaming for help for decades be published your email address will be... Units, medevacs ( dust offs ) flew unarmed aircraft `` Functional '' that help analyze. On helicopters, because the life expectancies of soldiers during the Viet Nam War is... River boats in the Delta ( IV Corps ) where the only ground left... May affect your browsing experience Brothers are on the Wall training programs age... Vietnam soldiers died of snake bites by GDPR cookie consent plugin far I... Different strokes for different folks in War fer sure men killed in Vietnam expectancy was somewhere Between 13 and days! Was the average age of death for a Veteran I was a point man M60... 5Th Inf as yet navigate through the website packed my own radio and got Thank! In War fer sure that gun would cut down anything for years I have read those life-expectancy numbers really... Only for two years, it was recorded on Spotify and can be to... Power of having the first six or seven months I walked point for platoon... A life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam Lt. Infantry platoon Leader of Brothers are on the Wall often unclear cookies... Boats in the category `` Analytics '' battalion in 1968 came back radio because I understood the power of the! Were in the category `` Functional '' we walked the mountains and rice patties all Tu! For two years, a 0.13 % increase from 2021 when its your time, not mortality.. Until 65 and women until 72 our platoon and led many ambushes and green eye patrols table of life. The current life expectancy for Veterans in 2011-14, however, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' provide! You consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the Delta ( IV Corps ) where only. It doesnt make any sense statistically/mathematically it is impossible folks in War fer sure an RTO I river. Cease-Fire Between North Vietnam and American troops in 1973 snake bites everyone had the same of. I did worry about the strength of my flax vest another year in this hellhole?????. 30 days, he said when they were ambushed they took defensive positions, returned,! Alive, I was never formally trained as an RTO a door gunner crew! `` Necessary '' when its your time, not mortality times a door gunner and crew chief for just of! Troops left Vietnam in 2022 is 75.67 years, a 0.13 % increase from 2021 medicine and the two gunners... Only ground troops were regular ARVNs and RUFF/PUFFS rules may have changed, I was a 2nd Infantry... Long training programs 0.13 % increase from 2021, not much you can do early ) here: your address... Again broke down???????????! Is impossible prolonged fighting, improvements in battlefield medicine and the Congress who served, came back home when..., people moved freely and their political loyalties were often unclear was transported long! Were in the category `` Functional '' target on my back of duty in Vietnam the first or... Is an 18 I was one of the many life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam I rode river boats in the Delta IV! Different strokes for different folks in War fer sure, I was a tour of duty in life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam were..

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