Listen to our podcast 🎤: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vietnam-experience/id1732962685 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4eqfizVsgTbhLgeSepUelV?si=iitSaosmSFObXr7jfCG0Pg

I was an Artillery Forward Observer with another unit in the 4th Division at Dak To at the same time as Mr. Crosby. I was with C Company, 3/12th Infantry, so we were both in the 1st Brigade. Watching this brought me back, and I could feel vividly the same things as he describes. This is a fascinating interview, due especially to the fact that he talks of his experiences eloquently and without embellishment. Every young person should try imagine how they would have felt and reacted in these circumstances. Thank you Mr. Crosby for your service and for sharing your experiences so vividly.

@kd_gray

Жыл бұрын

Upmost respect

@roberts1918

Жыл бұрын

🫡

@AsphaltMan11

10 ай бұрын

No, Thank you ! (USMC 89-93)

@MrWewill11

3 ай бұрын

Thank you for your service

What a decent and honorable man.

@gordo46

Жыл бұрын

These fellas gave it all

@michaelzallar9524

Жыл бұрын

Couldnt have said it better.

@redtobertshateshandles

Жыл бұрын

He smashed those hippies. Lol . Just what they needed.

@martinneureuther3576

Жыл бұрын

​@@michaelzallar9524]p]ppppp]p]]

@turtle19dad

Жыл бұрын

Yep it’s their right to protest. And his right to kick their asses!!!!

Legitimately one of the only interviews I've seen with a vet that brought me to tears. What a terrific man Leonard Crosby is.

@JohnMurphy-mx7pd

8 ай бұрын

#ChildMurderer Nine eleven ; reap what you sow .

@shanejones578

4 ай бұрын

“He was my hero….” Damn he got me there man

Im only minute into this and to see a battle hardened American Soldier break down in tears while remembering his father is so heart warming. It is proof what a good man his father was and what his son became. God Bless America and its Patriots.

@nes123ification

Жыл бұрын

That made me cry❤

@roberts1918

Жыл бұрын

I also got choked up over that. I miss my dad as well.

@Bear-lb4qj

10 ай бұрын

My dad was the reason I wanted to be in the service this made me cry too

@wyatterp6480

10 ай бұрын

My dad was in WWII on an aircraft Carrier that got kamikazed. I'm here so of course he made it. I also miss him and his stories of growing up and his 4 years on that ship! He was a Hero and he was my hero!! I would have no problem serving under this officer. Some officers were on power trips you can tell this guy wasn't he cared about his troops!

@mickeydrago9401

9 ай бұрын

​@@wyatterp6480 Which ship

Extremely brave man. Not just for his actions in Vietnam but also for enduring this interview and telling his story which is an invaluable resource for people like me also suffering PTSD and also to inform the new generation of the reality of war. I think this will be an interview that will be just as valued in 100 years as it is today. Thank you Leonard, You're story helped me find perspective.

@catmandoo4u1

7 ай бұрын

Fuck all the vets. Let's give goods and services to people that illegally enter our country..... it's more better.

@janpierzchala2004

3 ай бұрын

Great soldiers, great fights, always so little about more than one million Vietnamese lives lost in that war.

Len Crosby’s philosophy of Vietnam is such a clear window inside his experience. What a humble warrior who told his personal story so we could all learn what it was like over there. Multi-tasking after being shot in the neck says it all. The moral is that comradeship is the most important aspect of war. Thank you for sharing your story

@gryper1690

Жыл бұрын

That is something we are not going to see anymore from this generation.

@ThreeTs223

9 ай бұрын

@@gryper1690 plenty of solid young men in the new generation. Older generations have been saying this forever about the generations to follow. Not all snowflakes like it’s portrayed. Still got folks with morals just like then. We still have solid young men who join the military and fight for our country. Give them the respect they deserve.

My heart breaks for this man. Even when he laughs you can tell these memories are so painful😢

@juliofoolio2982

8 ай бұрын

I hear you, but it is not pity that I feel. He has clearly lived a rich life, full of accomplishment and meaningful work. When he was expresses sadness I do not see it so much as evidence of him being wounded, but as evidence of his flourishing humanity.

We are so fortunate in this country to have Men like this, Thank you for your story but especially your service!!

@Mike-hn4uu

Жыл бұрын

It makes me so sad that this great generation is now dying off…. Just when we need them so badly.

@annartuso7084

9 ай бұрын

this is a man.

@JohnMurphy-mx7pd

8 ай бұрын

#BrainlessBurgerFlipper

Leonard, Thanks much for taking the time and effort to participate in this interview. I know it isn't easy to recall your experiences. I've listened to quite a few of these interviews, and your's is among some of the best. Again, thanks.

@eileenlomax6323

Жыл бұрын

Brave men of usa

Another great soldier. Can't thank him enough for his service.

@cb62benson30

8 ай бұрын

I agree brave brave men in that war

If I was in Vietnam I would hope to have a man like this in charge. Glad he made it back .

I`ve heard hundreds of these Vietnam vet interviews and this one`s one of the best I`ve ever listened to...I was born exactly one year after Kent State happened and these vets were our fathers,including my own who served in the sub service(USS Casimir Pulaski),and reasons why I would spend my chore money on SGT.Rock comics,played "war",watched all the movies,etc.....Just wanted to say that I(we) have always been honored to call you our dads and have respected you,defended you,sat on the edges of our seats,listening to what you guys went through,like we did with our grandfathers during WWII...........We`re proud of you for everything that you went through and how you did it and it`s an absolute honor and privelege to have you as our fathers--you are the best that`s ever been and we`ll always be behind you.....Thank you.....I miss you Dad.........

@Rebel-yell1860

Жыл бұрын

Thank YOU… have deep respect for everything’ you addressed, & feel the exactly same.

@barbaraoshea7701

Ай бұрын

​❤@@Jackjackjaxk

He took care of his guys. A good leader. Interesting with humorous anecdotal!

Thank you Leonard for your service 👍🏻🇺🇸 Your service for our country will never be forgotten

@turtle19dad

Жыл бұрын

I would’ve loved to have served with him.

@libbyhobbs4637

Ай бұрын

My husband the medic says Americans came home to a place that NEVER SHOWED their gratitude....Quite the opposite. He wouldn't talk about it for over 30 years. Many veterans DIED HERE thinking they were WRONG . There was a draft and many had to choose...run,hide OR "fight for your Country. Mine took it as his "patriotic duty".

My Father flew B24s in WWII. He continued as a commercial pilot. “I enlisted on delayed entry in 1969 to get it over with.” I served in combat in Quang Tri and later Rakkason in support of Ripcord. Upon my return, I went to college on the GI Bill and joined the Army National Guard being commissioned at 30 years of age. I commanded a 155 Battery of the 29th ID during Desert Storm but didn’t get beyond Bragg until the War ended. I retired as a DIVARTY S2, C&GS Graduate. Thank you for your service Sir!

@ronaldhudson6560

Жыл бұрын

Enlisted in 1969

@erc9468

10 ай бұрын

29th DIVARTY? Let’s go!

This gentleman was a damn good leader . The men in his company in my opinion were very lucky to have not only his very brave leadership capabilities but have a little compassion for the ones that needed it.

@bruceadams9542

Жыл бұрын

Rare and nice to here a officer to tell the truth

@scottranney5891

Жыл бұрын

Yes agreed

@JohnMurphy-mx7pd

8 ай бұрын

He ended up on the losing side #JackAss

Speachless… a man of honour for sure… we salute you sir

This man has my utmost respect.

What a brave man! I really appreciate this video my grandfather was a veteran of the Vietnam war and I heard a number of gruesome and downright terrifying stories spaced throughout the years. My grandfather was a rough man and had a hard time showing his love in life but he was always kind and straightforward with me and I hold so much love and respect toward that man , Grandpa passed a couple years back and interviews with veterans always make me think of him . God bless you and this veteran ❤

I served in South Korea 75-76.I was a 12bravo up on the Z for my full 13 month tour.All my NCOs had multiple tours in the Nam.All i can say is God bless you for keeping me alive most of all welcome home to the homecoming you never received.I will never forget you.

I could listen to these stories all day. Amazing men. A different generation. A breed apart.

His conclusion is so powerful. “There are some wars America shouldn’t get into … but we dont think about that, we beat our chest and send off the military”.

I did 2 tours in Vietnam also. US Army Special Forces medevac duty crew chief. E10, MOS 18d. 57th Medical detachment. Twice combat decorated. Purple Heart and a Silver Star.

@brokenboltgarage3505

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for your service soldier

@sergeantmasson3669

3 ай бұрын

@@brokenboltgarage3505 US Army Special Forces medevac combat medic, I was never a soldier. Never any self-defense equipment either. Do you know why? I bet not.

@brokenboltgarage3505

3 ай бұрын

@@sergeantmasson3669 combat or not u still served, which still makes u a soldier to some people, serving in general is all that matters. And no sir I do not

@sergeantmasson3669

3 ай бұрын

@@brokenboltgarage3505 If you did serve, you'd know the answer. Genever convention states that no ambulatory vehicles are allowed to be armed nor allowed to be fired upon. In Vietnam, the Vietcong ignored such guidelines.

@indycharlie

27 күн бұрын

Hmmmm ?! Hey brother , welcome home . Just curious . Though I was not a SF medic , I was plain Jane 91B in lll Corp. You were a SF medic assigned as a " Dust Off " medic/ crew chief ?! doc 25th I.D. Med Det out of Tay Ninh and sometimes worked in a "dust off " capacity , then later recon / Platoon and Blue medic .. 68-71 ( RVN 70-71 ).

A Prime example of one of our selfless, young Soldiers. They deserved our deepest respect, admiration, and appreciation. I Salute you Ranger. Semper Fi.

As the son of a Vietnam Vet, people like my father and Mr. Crosby are my heroes. God bless the men and women who have sacrificed so that others can be free. 🇺🇸

The fact that it has been so long and his emotions are as if it happened last week is very telling to the level of insanity these fine men experienced. God bless you sir and thank you for your service to this country!

@carlmorgan8452

Жыл бұрын

So soon after a generation , people forget what war does to people . I'm afraid we will back at it again, over what? Political !

What a class act through and through. Heart of a lion. Glad he made it back.

This guy was fantastic. His interview was incredible. Nothing but respect for you sir. I wish my brother had an officer like you while he was in Vietnam and maybe he would still be alive today.

These videos must be shared so folks know the real business of war

Thank you for your service and sacrifice... and courage to honorably tell your story. I am humbled by your strength to tell it, and salute your service. God bless you and the USA.

I hold immense respect for veterans like you, who embody humility and reserve. Your modesty in not exaggerating your experiences and your respectful nature resonate deeply with me. You remind me of my father, who served as a LRRP in Vietnam.

This gives a great perspective I've never heard as my father was an enlisted man. He rarely spoke of the brass except here and there and not too highly. This channel is great and I hope you keep at it letting these men tell their stories about Vietnam.

@richardbowers3647

Жыл бұрын

Despair is hard to describe.

@erc9468

10 ай бұрын

A platoon leader or company commander isn’t brass.

One of THE VERY BEST interviews of the Viet Nam war experience I’ve EVER had the pleasure of listening to. Leonard Crosby sir, your thorough, detailed explanation of an horrific and brave two terms on the V. Nam battlefield was amazing to listen to. You are a true definition of an American hero! You were so thorough, complete, dedicated and brave - to put it mildly - that you brought tears to my eyes along with many posters here. Man, you’re a true hero. You told of your experiences as well as your obvious bravery in a manner that was so terribly real! I was there in 70-’71 and behind a “60” but saw little of the fighting/danger you experienced in those earlier years. God Bless you man, you are “one of those” guys who anyone would respect immensely! God Bless you - to the max man!!!!!!

Being a Vietnam medic with the Marines 69-7, I salute and respect this man as a true officer and gentleman.

Glad these interviews are being done. We could lose all these stories in time. Good job

What an honor. This man is a true hero and and what it means to be a patriot. Thank you.

The hole mover is stored at the same place the board stretchers are kept. Hats off to Mr. Crosby. I have a feeling that there is a lot more material left in the tank with him. Thank you for your service, and importantly being smart enough to outplay the game from command.

@wrenchhead6840

Жыл бұрын

They are right next to the brass magnets.

@wrenchhead6840

Жыл бұрын

…. The left-handed hammers are right on the same shelf..

My brother volunteered for the Army back in the 60s, during the Vietnam War. Hes 77 years old now. Hes been married to the same woman for 54 years.

Thank you for your service, you can tell he is still suffering from losing his friends and guys to his right and left, also this guy seems like an awesome leader

Thank you Mr. Crosby for your very hard work and sacrifices, you are a true gentleman and human.

Great conversation. The story about the two pilots in Saigon and not being able to sleep ... classic. A true treasure trove of information and really important stories and life lessons to be had. Really objective take on war, people and culture generally, extending all the way to contemporary issues. I have nothing but a deep sense of respect for this man. Thanks also to the producers for getting this down.

I wonder how many kids this guy saved in his second tour...? His command and control of the supply chain ALONE probably accounts for several dozen or a hundred. A TRUE officer and gentleman! Thanks for your service! 🇺🇲

This Man and His story/interview is so amazing and I cant say enough how much I appreciate his sacrifice and everything he experience serving our country. His story is amazing, he sounds like someone you'd be lucky as hell to have his shadow grace your presence. How he treated people and looked out for everyone around him and seeing him get emotional just telling an everyday story leaves me speechless. thank you so much for this interview. Id love to hear more

Thank you Leonard ! A very moving account …a man of honour!!! Ive saved this and will watch again every now & then to help keep me grateful and humble 🤝

Brave man, indeed! Calling in artillery on your own position, can you imagine? Can you EVEN imagine? You have to be thinking, “I’m going to die either by the VC, or my own artillery”. I really enjoyed his story that ended with him saying, “I’ve got to get back to Vietnam. It’s too dangerous here”! I hope this interview is cathartic for him, because his nerves are still raw and very close to the surface. He obviously lost a lot of friends. Thank you for your service, sir. I wish I could say or do more.

Lennard, thank you so much for your vision of the war you served in and the honest incounters you led your men through, I've always known that a good officer is the one that takes care of his men even before himself. You sir was an exceptional officer. You cared about your men I think you for that and above all thank you for your service and sacrifice sir. God bless you and your family.

A remarkable man. An American hero. A real human being.

It was very interesting to listen to this gentleman speak about his experiences and his views. His take on our more recent conflicts is very accurate. I do hope he's been able to find peace since all of these events occurred.

Only a man who’s been to hell and back can show you all of his pain in a smile. Thank you sir, you are the absolute best in all of us.

He sent the FNG for a "Hole Remover." I love this man. After all my studies on this terrible time in history i can say that this is type of guy that should of had a position within Government. The way he spoke about the drugs issue was so on point. He didn't mind the weed smokes because he knew they could still do job whereas those on alcohol were good for nothing. Also the race issue he covered. Seems that in the rear the ignorance ran riot but out the in bush was a totally different thing. As for those who abused these guy's coming home... I don't know how sleep at night. Big respect to you Leonard Crosby.

The unguarded transparency of Leonard’s testimony speaks volumes of the man’s character. Outstanding interview. Thank you for conducting and sharing. The searing level of earnestness at which Leonard spoke reminded me of Sgt. Gary Beikrich’s story - similarities in the way such men of sacrifice and heroism openheartedly convey the harshness of their experience.

Great interview, you can tell that he really cared about his men and how it has effected him knowing the ones who were killed. I can't imagine what it would be like having to write letters to the soldier's love ones. He is a true warrior and a friend of the soldiers he commanded.

@loyddinneen2294

Жыл бұрын

I was also a soldier in Vietnam for two tours but was lucky to have trained to work on helos so was in the rear(if you call it that) but still managed to come back with PTSD as I think we all did , as with Agent orange. I was in the 101st also as also the !st Cav. 1968-1970.

@WastingTime1878

Жыл бұрын

Bless you sir.

This brave man has obvious PTSD. BUT WHAT HUMAN BEING LIVING THROUGHSUCH CONDITIONS, DID NOT.

This interview drips with Humility and Authenticity!

Just listening to his story this man must have been one hell of a Company commander. Honest interview. AATW👍🏾

I could say a lot of positive things about the details of his narration, but most importantly I think he’s a very caring person. Anybody would be lucky to have him in charge of your life on the battlefield.

What a honor to hear his story.

What an incredibly powerful interview. They all are, but this mans wounds are still fresh…

If I had to go back I would want to go with someone like this brave honorable man. The teargas grenade story was absolutely hilarious to me, stuff like that really does happen.

The emotional disaster that this man is reliving so that we can hear the tale. That's awfully brave of this man,... AGAIN! I know it's hard for him, But the people he's speaking of live on in memory and in story... This right here helps them to live on. Thank you V.F.W..

Mr. Crosby, thank you sir for my family's freedom. You are a national treasure sir. Thanks John

Thank you for sharing Leonard, very much appreciated. I really like the leadership nuggets that can be taken out of this interview.

What an incredible man. I am so glad I have never had to endure what he has.

What a great man and soldier, thank you Leonard for your service !

Hard working, fearless, hero of a guy honestly this is one of the only vets I have seen that seems to have some warmth in his soul remaining. A lot of these interviews the guy just doesn’t resonate as well for whatever reason this honestly seems like your grandfather or something. I’m sure a lot of his guys were happy he was there for them.

Rare individuals who are natural leaders. Like this Gentleman. Combination of coco non sense , sense of duty, loyalty and compassion. God Bless America's vets !

From another Nam Vet…Thank You for everything you did and a heartfelt WELCOME HOME Brother.

God bless you, sir. My brother is 77 yrs. Old. He is a Viet veteran.

Watching this was very moving. Glad to see history archived in these videos.

This man is a national treasure. Speaking of battle matter of fact. Crying about his friends dying in front of him and keeping going, hole mover lol, understanding the locals, unnecessary wars, consequences of war. Thank you for serving Sir.

Thankyou for sharing your experience and memories. The emotional scars remain, so much pain. Welcome home Leonard 🏡.

No words! Prayers and honor to you sir!. My brother Bobby Chumley served and made it back. I was about 12 yrs old when Bobby returned. Miss Bobby, he passed away on Mothers Day of 2008. Bobby taught me how to shoot a gun. We shot in a trap shooting league. We played alot of sports together and Bobby had his union job when he returned. He purchased a Monark Bass Boat. We fished alot and hunted together and bow hunted alot. He talked at times about some of his experiences in which i was all ears and heart. Bobby was my Hero! He talked me out of getting into the military. My father was a CHIEF GS 13 Working at NSA at Fort Meade Md. My brother Eddy served in the AirForce. Was just at Eddys funeral. It was an Airforce Funeral and the unfolding and folding of the flag to that was presented to Eddys daughter who is a nurse and took care of Eddy in his last days. Eddy was 80yrs old. I got to see him about 6 hrs before he passed away.

I respect every soldier, miss my brother-in-law who when I was young thought he was so cool, over the years saw the ptsd.they talk about. He had such paranoia and didn't trust no one. Not my sister or me, that's hard for us but harder for him.He passed last year, malaria, orange all that came from this stupid war! Young guys sent, come back to no thanks from us! I personally thank all of you that served

Dak To was some real shit. I lost a high school buddy serving in the 173rd in that battle. He was killed 2 days before Thanksgiving 1967. This man was fighting during the bloodiest period of the war. One of many hero’s.

@blueocean-me1ns

Жыл бұрын

Actually the bloodiest part of the war was Tet 1968.

@chrisnnh

Жыл бұрын

@@blueocean-me1ns Actually the 173rd didn’t take part in any operations in 1968. The battle at and around Doc To started at the beginning of November, and concluded early December … “Operations in and around the Central Highlands including previous battles at Hill 1338 had rendered the 173rd Airborne combat ineffective, and they were ordered to Tuy Hòa to repair and refit. The 173rd was transferred to Camp Radcliff in An Khê and Bong Son areas during 1968, seeing very little action while the combat ineffective elements of the brigade were rebuilt.” The fact this man was involved in both Dak To and the Tet Offensive the following month is what I pointed out “the bloodiest period of the war.” We good now?

Wow, that was mesmerizing. Thank you sir for your service & sacrifice. Your words of wisdom re war in general sound spot on. You are a hero, after listening to your talk…you are the kind of guy that doesn’t think you’re a hero but you are. Thank you, thank you, thank you 🙏

Thank you for you service Captain Crosby and for sharing your experience. Good job and Welcome Home!

Thank you Mr. Crosby for your service, and for sharing some of your story with us. So much of it was funny, but all of it tells of a great American who I am proud of.

Fascinating interview.

Thanks for sharing, welcome home! Much respect to you

One of the most interesting interviews I have watched. What an amazing human. This is someone to look up to.

Can't help but tear up with him.

You sir are a caring leader and a hero. Thanks for your story and service.

Im very grateful there are people like you getting these veteran interviews recorded on video. As much as I love to read, being able to hear these experiences in the voices of the soldiers/airmen/marines/seamen really helps bring the stories to life for those of us who are younger or havent had the chance to talk to servicemen and women. Youre doing a great service for all the present and future students of history as well as bringing these veterans legacies a whole new life by doing this work. Thank you. And of course thank you to all the veterans willing to share your perspectives. You folks are worth more than you know and your stories are worth telling.

Excellent interview, Thank you Sir, for your service !

It’s impressive that there is so much to learn as a commander in so little time.

wow the grenade.imagine looking down seeing and that moment you realize its not going off....omg...i too would have that on my wall.what a reminder how close to death he was

Thank you for this interview.

Thank you for your service and all the sacrifices. God Bless you and your family.

Straight speaking through the heart love how he says no matter how long ago the memories are they dont get any less emotional no way to thank you enough ❤

Terrific interview! Sad the waste of men and treasure. Still, the wars increase in size, scope and tempo!

Oh, thank you for your service. I can’t imagine your 1st day in nam. The sounds, smells and sights. Real eye opener. Glad you made it home.

great interview with a veteran that also has a sense of humour and a heart. thanks for this.

This interview is profound. I can literally feel the emotion coming from this brave and most honorable man. I thank you for your service and also for sharing your story with us. Bless you ❤️❤️

Love this, thank you for sharing. He nails it at the end. Sad that our politicians keep sending other people’s children to fight in these unnecessary wars. I could listen to this man for hours. He genuinely cared about his men. I would have loved to have served under his command.

Thank you for sharing this experience

Thanks for sharing all that Leonard.

Thanks for you and your pop's service Leonard, may the lord bless you.

enjoyed this interview. Officer Crosby so interesting and humorous.

One of the best interviews I ha e seen on here.✌😎