Wisconsin Vietnam War Stories: Mike Allen
"You were scared, but you couldn't feel scared because it would overtake you."
"We were fighting to get our own selves back home. We had to protect each other to get back."
- Mike Allen
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TRANSCRIPT:
**These oral histories and transcripts may contain language that can be considered profane, racially insensitive or otherwise offensive. The language has been retained to give an accurate historical record of their remarks.**
I was 20-years-old. I was drafted. The Vietnamese called - when they did - they called me the Little Kid. They said, "No, you're that Little Kid. You don't belong here." You know, my government says I do, so.
But the jungles, they were hot. They were muggy with the humidity. You see rain every day. We got rained on every day and we slept in it. We slept in the mud, so we were always wet. As far as clean clothes, I wore my first set for roughly 80 days; 80 days. I only had like four or five changes of clean clothes while I was there.
I carried a hundred pounds. I didn't weigh much more than a hundred pounds; weighed about a hundred twenty, so I carried a hundred pounds. You didn't want to run short in case you hit the shit. I carried a claymore mine, trip flares, three to four smokes, six hand grenades, roughly two thousand rounds of M60 ammo. I carried nine quarts of water and c-rations, and a poncho and C4 for blowing LZs and det cord. So you had to have all that stuff on you, plus my M16 and three bandoliers of M16 ammo, seven magazines to a bandolier.
It was a proud, you know. The company was a proud company and the unit was a proud unit, you know. We were a swing battalion. Wherever the shit was hitting the fan, we had to get to an LZ and get picked up and flown into the hot spot. But it wasn't dull. It was a hell of a camping trip, but very serious, you know.
You know, you kind of looked forward to getting picked up and getting out of the jungle in the helicopter because you knew you were pretty safe. You were secure up there as long as you didn't fall out. But still you were being moved to another area where there was trouble, you know, another shit hole. I have an Air Medal and that's for 25 CAs into an unsecured LZ. I survived long enough to get the Air Medal.
You were scared, but you couldn't feel scared because it would overtake you. You know what I mean? You know they're watching you and you just try to keep your distance between each person. And this way they're not going to get greedy. The gooks always kind of liked to seem like they wanted to get greedy. So they wanted to wait for somebody to bunch up and then if they were going to mess with you then they'd come at you.
I was just another person in the squad up in the mountains in a platoon in the company doing what we did, which was to protect each other. We were fighting because we were thrown in there, and we were fighting to get our own selves back home. We had to protect each other to get back.
I think about it all the time. You know, I got those photographs just to make sure it's not a dream, you know, and it actually took place. It's there. You know, you remember your buddies. You remember what you know, what they did, even though you're not in contact with them all. You know the good times that you had, even the shitty times that you had, you know, over there. But it's a true brother-friendship. Its a bond that don't, you know, ever break.
Пікірлер: 305
This is the first vet I've listen to who experienced Vietnam like me...I was with the 2/502 Inf, 101st Airborne. We worked the A Shaw Valley area my whole tour. I was told we spent 330 days in the jungle. I never saw a village or a villager.... Same-same for us, except "Lurps" instead of C rations. Hurry, find an LZ and fly to help someone and I carried 7 frags and one WP frag for tunnels... I hope you got lucky as many of my fellow troopers have died from Agent Orange related health issues...I've got cancer, plus heart and three other ones as rated by the VA.... we were fighting for our brothers, not God, Country....
I just stood up an saluted you and all your pals...and I'm an Australian. "Thankyou" seems grossly insufficient sir. My father was a Army cav vet 1965-1967 stationed in Hue. It's men like you that I spent my life trying to be like...real heroes. I'm 48 now and I'm still trying. God bless you ALL...
It sounds like a nightmare. Thank you for everything that you did and sharing your story. Way to many critics on here talking about something they know nothing about from the comfort of their living room. I'm thrilled you made it home safe, I know far to many Vietnam vets that never truly made it home. Stay safe.
Helluva camping trip
Welcome home Brother. I was 5'8" and weighed 130 lbs. My load was just a bit lighter. Even at night it was hot as hell and humid. 525 MIG, 574th MID, TM 42, Vinh Long
@felixmadison5736
2 ай бұрын
I was 20 years-old and about 5'6", 125 pounds. I hung in for 6 months before a mortar round sent me home in December of 1969. No good memories of Vietnam.
these guys should get presidental pay.
@purpleheadedwombferretdest5367
7 жыл бұрын
Dave Goffredo and then some
Thank you to all who served, your names will all be remembered in time to pass. with all my gratitude! :-)
@jacobhoffman8610
6 жыл бұрын
patriotism is a good thing man but thats stupid... that doesn't make any sense, are you thanking em for so many of em going and getting killed? cause vietnam wasnt ever any kind of threat to the u.s., it couldn't have hurt you in any way shape or form, fuck we even sunk our own ships in the gulf of tonkin to give our selves reason to go get killed..... you thanking soldiers for being willing to die at the whim of fucking corrupt politicians and corperations.... its sick
@snipper1ie
6 жыл бұрын
I hope you remember the names of the politicians who sent them into harms way and why were they sent. I've yet to find out why they were sent.
@grahamlewis2418
6 жыл бұрын
On British Navy . Commando carrier at Subic Bay Naval base 1971 . Met American Marines in the E.M club there . Heading out to Nam . I often wonder did they return home to there there family's i hope so yet a lot did not a heart felt shame . Have flash backs when i hear Barry McGuire's Eve of Destruction . Have a lot of respect for the Yankee Marine and G'i great people
@eamonryan8738
6 жыл бұрын
Simoz FPV uav: Will they though?
@MissMaria1988
5 жыл бұрын
You white americans with ancestors from all over Europe whats the point with all these wars? I dont get it. Still dont get it.. its worse then ever today. Why do you think you need to make this planet all yours? Whats the point... its all tragedy. Ine, norway
Heck of a thing for a 20 yr old kid to have to deal with,going to war like that.
how can I buy this guy dinner????
It was an honor listening to you sir and thank you for your service.
Thank you "Little Kid" for answering the call of your nation. Your bravery and sacrifices for us all, I'm unable to put into words the sense of gratitude that we have soldiers such as yourself, to put their lives on the line, so that we may live in freedom. God bless.
@organic4050
8 жыл бұрын
+Chris Helf We don't live in freedom and this was an injust war sir.
@tienglongmy
8 жыл бұрын
no war against communism is unjust
@bradfaunce9567
8 жыл бұрын
+Alonzo Lewis well, we're free enough for you to say stuff like what you decided to post here buddy
@matthewd667
7 жыл бұрын
Jon K Helf this war was for nothing. It's why nam vets are so messed up because they know it's tantamount to war crimes
@azolioeroach3253
7 жыл бұрын
shred blue Is that so? Well then, why don't you tell us "what's REALLY out there", besides the X-files!
Welcome home, brother. Sgt USMC, 1st Marine Division, Danang 1968,
@navycorpsman744
6 жыл бұрын
wilhard45 Semper Fi Marine! 2/9, '67-'68. Dong Ha and points south.
@Willy650707
6 жыл бұрын
wilhard45 Semper Fi
I was a tunnel RAT 1966 to 1968 .then I lost my to legs to a I.d. ten kills
@Lakarak
7 жыл бұрын
damn
@NS1.
7 жыл бұрын
+James Mcdade - wow, if you wouldn't mind sharing, we would all love to hear some stories. My father was drafted when he was 19, was there in 68-69. He was a 'radio operator', so he didn't see any action. His tent with all the radio stuff was in a fairly secure area, however there were mortars going off sometimes. Think he said he was in Ben Luc. edit: Wait a sec, Ben Luc was a Naval Base, but my dad was drafted in the Army. I'm 99% sure he said "It was called 'Ben Luck' where I was at." So, so I have it wrong, or is it possible to have someone in the army in a Naval base? Sorry if that's a dumb question.
@88pie88
7 жыл бұрын
(X) Doubt
@bandccoresohio
6 жыл бұрын
James Mcdade thank u for your service sir very sorry for your loss
@klanhit7141
9 ай бұрын
Hard to believe but if you're really telling the truth then I apologize and thank you for your service brother 🇺🇸
Many twinty years peoples don't even know what is going around the world 🗺. They playing with the phones. This man plays with his life for freedom. Thank you for the great service you have given. Thanks for the freedom. From the Netherlands 🇳🇱
words will never do you Justice,may the Lord bless you
All my respect to all the guys how served being the son of an Australian vet from Korea & Vietnam I seen the shit you guys went through when you got home I hope you all are treated with respect these days 🇦🇺👍
God Bless our Veterans, and thank you for your service.
Thanks for your service! We are proud!
Thank you for ur service. I can’t imagine being a young man, starting ur life into adulthood and being drafted into a situation like the Vietnam war.
Around my age. This is why I try to never complain. I tried to enlist but found out I'm medically ineligible. You compare guys like little kid to the average 20 year old now and you'll become extremely sad.
You sir are are a way better man than I ever could be, thank you for your service. 👍🏻
Thanks for your service. Welcome home
Thanks brother & welcome home.
"It´s a bond that you´ve ever break". Amazing man.
Thank you for your service Mr. Allen. My father was a great man. Mr. Dunham was born Nov. 9, 1941, in Klamath Falls, Ore., and was a high school graduate. Mr. Dunham served in the U.S. Army from August 1967 to August 1970. He was stationed in Vietnam in 1968-1969 in the 1st Calvary. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with two O/S Bars, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device 1960. He was an expert with the M-16 and a sharpshooter with the M-14. He served in the Alaska Army National Guard from 1971 until his retirement in July 2000. A life member of VFW Post 9785 in Eagle River, Mr. Dunham had served as a past commander of that post and served as the VFW State Surgeon in 2003-2004. He was also president of the Alaska Veterans Memorial Museum, a member of the American Legion and a member of Elks Lodge 2682.
What you went through reminds me of what my dad went through in the pacific. He fought in the battle of Peleliu, a lesser known battle in WWII, but one of the fiercest. Thanks for your service.
A Big Men ...... He was young and must go in this Dirty War. Good Job Soldier. Thanks for Served
@Tonybmw1988
7 жыл бұрын
Marco Fink are you actually a us citizen?
@masculist1019
7 жыл бұрын
Yes. He be.
Welcome home brother, 1st Cav Tay Ninh 69 & 70
@1337fraggzb00N
8 жыл бұрын
Hooah! Thank you for your service, Sir!
@tayninh69
8 жыл бұрын
1337fraggzb00N Thank you, I really appreciate that.
@brendancleary1699
7 жыл бұрын
what was your experience
@slothinatorphillips5931
7 жыл бұрын
jay dee any stories you wanna share?
@TheNomadWandering
6 жыл бұрын
Thank you for what you did. I appreciate it. Sorry our country let you all down.
Honored to hear your story sir. Honored to even breathe the same air as you. - A Wisconsinite
A sincere Thank You from Denis Bourgeois.....Calgary Alberta Canada...
It seems so futile to say but, Thank You for your service.
Thank you for great service. God Bless you
Thanks for sharing and fighting for our freedom. Respect brother.
Glad you made it home 101.
Thank you Mr. Allen for your service! It is men like you that make america a great place to live.
Thank you Mike Allen from the bottom of my heart for your service God Bless you.
God bless all of those young men who were there ..you deserve all respect ,and you were very brave ,all of you were .god bless you All.
Great presentation, it would be interesting to hear more.
The endurance of infantry in war is mind boggling. They go out for months, filthy, wet, sleep deprived. Amazing people
When I was in the Marines in mid 90's as an Infantryman we would always bitch and complain about being out in the bush training.. Then we would think and talk about Vietnam Grunts like this and stop bitching.. We always admired the Vietnam guys because it was out parents generation. The Grunts in Nam had it very very difficult, different wars than WW2. The Vietnam guys were hard core and tough as hell.
@PaulSvk84
7 жыл бұрын
TheJasonCombee76 I would think about the same thing while training in the field or while on foot patrol in Iraq. They had it real bad.
thank for sharing
Glad you got back home. Thank you for posting.
Thank you!!! All gave some.... some gav all god bless them all!!!
i've never been in a war, let alone the army, but from what i've heard, after a while, it becomes less and less about fighting for your country, and more and more of making sure that you and your men mke it home safely
Thank you for posting this.
Vietnam! I wasn't in the infantry, but Vietnam was not a good thing to me. I landed at DaNang on the twelveth of November 1970; I was 18. I joined the US Army at seventeen, and by the end of 1970, I would be sitting in Vietnam. I had already done a tour in Korea, 13 months; after my completion of my tour in Korea, I was assigned to Fort Ord, California my home of record. I did not like Ft. Ord, so I ask to be sent to Vietnam, the Army said, "we can fulfill that request." Vietnam bad memories! Today, I am 66; Vietnam seems as though it was a dream so long ago.
I know you didn't get it when you got back and it's been a long time but Thank You & Welcome Home .
Thank you for your service.
Thanks for your service, and for sharing your story. Got nothing but respect for you.
Wow! Great, amazing photos and story. Some of the best photos I've seen of to compliment the experience.
Thank you for your service sir
Can’t thank you guys enough!
An amazing man. Thank you!
Thank you mike.
Thank you for your service sir.
Thanks for sharing. God bless.
Welcome home. Respect.
That photo of you is priceless
That's a camping trip you'll never forget respect bro
Thanks for that...simply and poignantly told.. like most guys there, you were fighting for your squad brothers and to get home in one piece..Glad you made it back...hope the guys in the pics with you got home too .
Thankyou for ur services..
incredible pictures!
Thank you for your service!!!
Unexpectedly powerful. Thanks for that.
Thank You Mike
I love these stories and these men are definitely brave and extraordinary. I have a hard time thanking them , due to the nature of their assignments and the government who charged these men with fighting a war that was not defending our lands or people and turned out , didn’t do a whole lot of good for the country of Vietnam . I have a hard time defending or extending gratitude for those who give and take orders in today’s totally unjust wars. My father is a veteran of 25years and I’ve explained this to him and he has the same moral conflict . He’s always had it. I don’t know,!i love the stories of the men and women who serve I just wish they had a government who cared as much for them as they do for their country .
Thankyou mike for your service i hope things are ok maybe i can buy you a beer somday
Well done mate !
wow i could sit and listen to his stories all day
Thank you for your service brother!!
Sorry I'm late to the game, but thank you for your service. My family and all Americans owe you and yours our undying gratitude. Vaya con Dios.
Thank you so much for your service. And welcome home!
Thanks Mr. Allen. Glad you made it out. Reed
Thank you for your service. I just wanted to let you know there are people that are grateful for what you did back then
Welcome Home! Thank You!
thank You Brother
❤❤bless you for your dedicated service
Thank you for all you did for our country.
Well done Mike
Incredible! Thank you so much my friend. RESPECT!
Thank you😎
Thank You
Thank you Sir
Thank you for the personal story. It doesn’t more real than this.
Awesome!
Thank you...
Thanks for your service. oorah!
thank you !
This is why you stand up for the national anthem to respect this man and many like him. They are the guys who are the true American Heroes
Incredible, thank you for sharing your story. You are a true hero to the USA
Thank you.
Thank you
Thanks
Thank you for your service I know so many of you guys my husband to was in
Thanks for being a vet.
God bless you brother!
God damn right. Eternal gratitude.
God Bless Our Veterans!!!
Respect to you Sir !
The patch he is wearing at 3:20 isnt that the 101 Screaming Eagles? Thank you for sharing your story.