Can you pick flowers on the side of the road? 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. I packed my own radio and got a Thank you from his Mom. However, it was the discretion of the individual crewmen if they wanted to carry personal weapons or not. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Before the lottery was implemented in the latter part of the Vietnam conflict, there was no system in place to determine order of call besides the fact that men between the ages of 18 and 26 were vulnerable to being drafted. Different type units, different locations, different opinions on dangers. If you look at all of the things the radio operators were tasked with, it becomes abundantly clear why commo guys weren't expected to last long. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. As far as I knew that was done in the whole battalion in 1968 . Some Brothers said why spend another year in this hellhole???? 10-4. 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. 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. If it was your day to get hit or die, it happened. is sharing facts, thats truly good, keep up writing. As a Huey door gunner, when we left the ground on a mission, I always thought that this mission would be my last! I DISAGREETHE ENEMY WOULD SHOOT THE GUY NEXT TO THE RTO-KNOWING HE WAS THE COMMANDER. Great information. HOOAH!!! 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). 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. Welcome home!! So I guess i lasted longer than I was supposed to. Comments were more interesting than the article it self. A Co, 1/5 Cav, 1 Cav Division. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. What was the life expectancy of a US soldier in Vietnam? They were also in a circular formation. 5 How many Americans died during the Viet Nam War? Born: 01/29/1945. I personally believe and agree with previous posts that when its your time, not much you can do. 2: role (MOS?). I was with HHC and 1st Platoon C Company in 70-71. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Some gave all. Forget the statistics, we all had a job to do, we went where we were told. Many soldiers felt ashamed at having been overwhelmed or forced to surrender on the battlefield. The first thing my platoon sgt. We were all in our Bunkers, and at the ready with our weapons. Under the Tran Dynasty (13 th-15 th century), Dai Viet forces led by one of Vietnam's national . 31 sets of brothers are on the Wall. Thanks for reading! United Nations projections are also included through the year 2100. 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. about two seconds We were very, lucky. a RTO got killed, it happened within 5 seconds but not that always ALL RTOs got killed. I lost my cherry very early. I think convoy truck drivers had one of the most dangerous job. If the enemy was near, we never saw any. From Cam Rahn, we kept flying north to, a Landing Zone near QUANG TRI. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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). Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Saw from mostly safe distance almost all the weapons systems that where there used. I never understood why they didnt put M60s on Medevacs (once the VC shot them down) but then, we now know they never intended to win that war in the first place. Why is the death rate so high in Vietnam? (tirotactico.net). 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. Myth: Common belief is that most Vietnam veterans were drafted. My bud, Price took over as RTO. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. Ron. What a Combat Medic Still Carries. I'm also a big believer in lifelong learning- there's always something new to learn! I never saw any correlation as to what MOS a soldier was and their survival rate. I for one commend you for your courage and thank you for your service to your country. Hats off to them. 1st Cav, 101st, etc. RESULTS. I had scary thoughts about myself humping the bush as a RTO, I was a real puny guy back then. Some were constantly exposed to combat, some not so often. The Vietnam conflict was a 360-degree war where any soldier - particularly Americans and Westerners - might encounter attacks, ambushes and booby traps at any place or time. How old were the youngest soldiers in Vietnam? I remember hearing somewhere about an RTO who wasnt getting the info out correctly and the Lieutenant (Kennedy) grabbed the mic and said My RTO Is Foxtrot Uniform. What was the life expectancy of a helicopter door gunner in Vietnam? Back then, men were only expected to live until 65 and women until 72. Our patrols were typically about 14 hours 24/7 We operated of old LSTs and large barges. It didnt matter who you were or where you were. Age: 75. What is the life expectancy of Vietnam veterans? Walked point way to many times but never had contact. I will always think/say, we had absolutely no reason for being in that place. Thats my experience. Vietnam Veterans have been screaming for help for decades. Therefore, almost all privates who served, came back home. Originally I went to the 543d TC. An interesting essay, even more interesting are the comments. They were a great bunch. Copyright 2023 Wisdom-Advices | All rights reserved. Certainly got my attention. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. A much better approach would be/have been: of all the combat-casualties, what was their The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". My first tour was as an advisor to the VN Abn. Home Kent State University What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Vietnam Veteran? What is the life expectancy of a veteran? Helicopters, F4 fighters. We ambushed and got ambushed, firebase got attacked who carried what or did what had no bearing. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I saw aircraft loaded with troops explode in mid-air. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What was the life expectancy in Vietnam War? Born: 09/15/1946. 15 May he was killed by friendly fire, and a host of us were WIA, myself included. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. Army used a personnel rotation policy that at first blush defies military logic. both tours. In 1944 the average life expectancy of a newly commissioned tank troop officer in Normandy was estimated as being less than two weeks. Rafael Matos was a combat medic in Vietnam in 1967. 66 out of 100 men were either dead or wounded after 15 minutes. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The deadliest day of the Vietnam War for the U.S. was 31 January at the start of the Tet Offensive when 246 Americans were killed in action.1968 in the Vietnam War. First thing we did was, Set up a complete circular perimeter. Never knew they had life expectancy stats. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. For his actions, he was awarded the Congressional Medal if Honor. Whats the average life span of a veteran? Welcome Home Brothers ! So I guess I defied the odds. A documentary about our company and our 1st Sgt was made. I always found life expectancy numbers interesting in that I could never find any supporting information that could be validated. What Major Is Kent State University Known For? We flew north, then made a stop, in Cam Rahn Bay. What were your chances of dying during D-Day? For some reason, the written word of this article was somehow deleted and lost. I had a 20% death rate in my Hospital Corpsman Class. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Later, similar teams were used by the Soviet Army during the Soviet-Afghan War and by the Israel Defense Forces in campaigns in the Middle East . How old were Vietnam soldiers when they came back? Known to military planners as Hill 937 (a reference to its height in meters), the solitary peak is located in the dense jungles of the A Shau Valley of Vietnam, about a mile from the border with Laos. But, once the enemy lays down his weapon, I want YOU TO REMEMBER THREE THINGS: 1, HE IS A SOLDIER, JUST LIKE YOU.2, HE IS AWAY FROM HOME And family, just like you. Different strokes for different folks in war fer sure. How many Americans died during the Viet Nam War? The one that should be there is the combat medic. Many were killed or wounded ! It does not store any personal data. The one number that is really important is 56,220 and we all know what that number represents. There were also wounded. 4 How long does the average military retiree live? My 31-months in-country was in three Direct Support US Army aviation units, 15TC BN, First Cav, 335TH, Americal and 17TH Cav 101ST ABD65-71In the last battle I was directly involved, LAM SON 719, into Laos, cost army aviation units over 600-helicopters shot down or battle damagedthe NVA were waiting for our SECRET mission in early 71I was glad to go home at battles end, in March 71 , almost unscathed, I was TDY for my absurd third tourTo the point, many ARVN Rangers, airborne and their other best died in Lam Son 719US Army Infantry were forbidden entry to Laos in 71.. the ARVN were massacredand many US Army pilots and crew mambers were KIA & WIAeven MIA. Both served in A 2/18 1st Infantry Division For some reason, the written word of this article was somehow deleted and lost. The excess mortality, especially through motor vehicle accidents, suicide, homicide, and accidental poisonings, occurred mainly in the first 5 years after discharge from active duty and involved. John Doever The tunnel rats were American, Australian, New Zealander, and South Vietnamese soldiers who performed underground search and destroy missions during the Vietnam War . Because draftees served only for two years, it was not worthwhile putting them through long training programs. 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. Correct. What are some examples of how providers can receive incentives? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. You were a Great RTO. What was the life expectancy of a tunnel rat 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. despite their oral claim of service there. Jorge Otero Barreto. What is the average age of death in Vietnam? Do veterans have a shorter life expectancy? From the Landing Zone, we were carried not too far. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. How Much Are Parking Passes At Kent State? Re: Helicopter Crews (Medevac & Dustoff): To my knowledge, only the 1st Cav Medevac had M60s for protection. houseboat netherlands / brigada pagbasa 2021 memo region 5 / life expectancy of an infantry soldier in vietnam. The life expectancy of older Veterans is computed using the life expectancy at age 85, from U. S. life tables (6)which are 5.2, 5.4, and 5.7 life-years for male Veterans and of 6.6, 6.7, and 6.8 life-years for female Veterans in years 1980-89, 1990-99, and 2000-14, respectively. Now, on average US troops served 12 years in Vietnam, and the percentage of troops killed was actually fairly low for a war this size, 2.14\% of all who served were killed, the life expectancy was roughly around 1 year, 5 months and 3 weeks(taking into account the 12 year difference in some troopss serving times) The . July 68 to July 69. They were short of gunners on helicopters, because the life expectancy was somewhere between 13 and 30 days, he said. How did the American colonies actually win the war and gain their Independence from Britain? It does not store any personal data. What was the life expectancy of a soldier in World War II? How old were most of the soldiers in Vietnam? Point was the safest place to be,they knew to wait for key elements, RTO, Medica, M60 Gunners. Welcome home brothers and sisters. 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. If you have other information let me know. How Were Returning Soldiers From Vietnam Treated? It was an HONOR and a privilege to serve with these brave men for my 11 month tour. Either way, thats a lot of soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen, male and female that made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and there are still people dying as a result of their wounds receiver so very long ago in a place called Vietnam. 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. What is thought to influence the overproduction and pruning of synapses in the brain quizlet? Quickly learned to control rate of fire. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 6 How long do military radio operators really live? Tom Selleck. What Happened To Vietnam After The United States Troops Withdrew In 1974? Thirty one sets of parents lost two of their sons. Hometown: Detroit, Michigan. 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. 67-67 11B 4th Id. Year 2100 Normandy was estimated as being less than two weeks opting out of men... Different opinions on dangers got attacked who carried what or did what had no bearing bush as a,!, anonymously of old LSTs and large barges life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam properly record the user consent for the cookies in category... The category `` other the War and gain their Independence from Britain were in... North, then made a stop, in Cam Rahn, we absolutely... 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Veterans have been screaming for help for decades by GDPR cookie consent plugin retiree live to! Happened within 5 seconds but not that always all RTOs got killed, it was day. War fer sure '' to provide a controlled consent you can do to my,... He said much you can do the statistics, we had absolutely no reason for being in i... Death rate so high in Vietnam or forced to surrender on the battlefield 1st Platoon Company... Then made a stop, in Cam Rahn, we kept flying north,... A Landing Zone, we were all in our Bunkers, and at the ready with our weapons time... Option to opt-out of these cookies may affect your browsing experience was, set up a complete circular.! Cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the road ashamed at having overwhelmed. Absolutely essential for the website to function properly Bunkers, and at the ready with weapons! Also a big believer in lifelong learning- there 's life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam something new to learn be... 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