Alan with his daughters Erin and Fallon, and his wife Christine in Da Nang. Until a few years ago if someone had asked me to make a bucket list of countries to visit, Vietnam would have been at or near the bottom. I guess you could say, “been there, done that.” I served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from June 1969 until June 1970. I was part of a recon platoon called Fox Force. We operated in the Central Highlands of Vietnam – in the mountains and jungles of that area. Unlike any unit I’m aware of we wore red scarves – always – even on combat missions. We had a well-earned reputation, and our red scarves clearly set us apart from other soldiers in our division. We were told the enemy had a $10,000 bounty on each of us. It didn’t really matter because in the year I was part of Fox, the enemy never killed a single member of our team. We were in combat frequently but were never ambushed or surprised. If we were a baseball team, we would have ended our season with all wins and no losses, and with most games pitched as no hitters. I’m sure history books will say the U.S. lost that war, but we were ahead when I left.
Like a lot of Vietnam veterans, I don’t talk much about my experience “over there.” I have been blessed with the ability to compartmentalize my combat experiences. They are like a box of Christmas ornaments up in the attic; I still have them, but they don’t get in the way of daily life. Vietnam veterans were, for the most part, not welcomed home and often quite the opposite, so compartmentalization was a useful way to avoid unwelcome confrontation.
Alan at Firebase Lois on his 21st birthday wearing the red scarf of his Fox Force platoon.
In 2000 my old unit, Fox, held a reunion, and has every year since. The Fox team comes from every walk of life in America, making us quite an odd collection of souls, but we share a common bond that only other combat veterans can appreciate. We wear our red scarves when we are together, but also wear red wrist bands, specially inscribed, when we are not together. I’m proud to say my youngest daughter had the inspiration for the red wrist bands. Sadly, about 25 percent of the team have passed away since our first meeting – all from Agent Orange-related cancers.
In the last few years I’ve wanted to return to Vietnam. I’m not completely sure why, but it just felt like it was time for me to complete the journey that began almost 40 years ago. Being blessed in my occupation, I booked an Asian cruise that sailed in December 2009. Unfortunately due to timing, cost and other personal issues, none of my Fox Force teammates could join me and my family on the cruise. The cruise began in Shanghai and ended in Bangkok – truly a fantastic way to visit the highlights of Asia. The cruise had two stops in Vietnam: Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. I was excited to return to Vietnam, but also to share all of Asia with my family who had never traveled to this part of the world.
I was excited about our arrival in Da Nang, our first Vietnamese port of call. I awoke early to watch as the ship berthed. The port is not near the city, so all I could see was a small harbor and the surrounding countryside, which was at once familiar, but not the Vietnam I had experienced. Da Nang is a coastal city northeast of where I served. There are no jungles there, which is just as well, as no one would want to visit the areas where I served; they are too remote and densely vegetated.
After 40 years I found Vietnam, in many ways, much the way I had left it. I was surprised so little had changed, but my heart was gladdened to see the entrepreneurial spirit was still very much alive with little businesses flourishing everywhere. The people I met were glad to meet Americans, and were wonderful and friendly – something we never dared to find out as soldiers due to the threat of IEDs back then. The food was fantastic, the best we found in all of Asia. This too was a surprise as all I ate when in-country 40 years ago were C-rations.
We had a wonderful guide who showed us the sights of Da Nang and Hoi An. Vietnam is a poor country, nevertheless the people were generous and wonderful hosts. New infrastructure is being added everywhere, so it would appear that their future is a bright one.
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).
I really hadn’t thought about how I would react to my return to Vietnam. However, I had expected a flood of memories to overtake me. But that didn’t happen. Faces did come to mind, but they weren’t of the young men with whom I had fought. Rather, they were their current portraits. I wished all the Fox team could be with me, completing this long journey we had all begun so long ago.
The next day was a sea day and thankfully so. I hadn’t really thought about how I would react after returning to Vietnam, but I would never have expected the result I was experiencing. Because a Princess cruise provides plenty for everyone to do all day long, it was easy for me to keep to myself all day. I didn’t have an epiphany or a cathartic episode, the kind of experience one would see in a movie. I was just emotionally drained for a day.
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, (formerly Saigon) I was fine and enjoyed a day of touring the old capital of South Vietnam. I had been there once, but my memory of that time was pretty cloudy. It’s an exciting city that has a very vibrant texture; my whole family thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Vietnam’s southern center. I was just another tourist on that day, and that felt wonderful. If I had any doubts or demons about Vietnam, they were back in the attic.
I’m glad I went back, and I’m glad I took a cruise rather than a solitary visit to Vietnam. It was great to be back for a few days, but it was also great to see the rest of Asia and to be able to return to the familiarity of our ship each evening. I’m a little biased, but I can’t think of a better way to visit all of Asia, and for Vietnam veterans, a better way to tie-off the need to revisit the place where so many gave so much.
I still look forward to returning to the area where I served, but only if accompanied by some of my old Fox Force teammates.
Alan
I served in the US NAVY (62-64) during the Cuban Crisis and was on the destroyer that was cutting off ships with missels to Cuba.
I took a 9 day Pricess Cruise last year from NY to the Carribean..it was so great that I have a groupo of ald buddies joining me on the same cruise in May(May 26),2011.
I was delighted to see that you are offering a $100 on board credit…THANK YOU. Most of us are vets and we really appreciate your acknowledgement of our service to our country. I so happy to see a vet in a great position that you are in.
God bless and Iw ish to extend my sincere best wishes to you and your family for the up-coming Holiday Season.
TOM SCOTTO
Thanks Alan from a fellow Vietnam vet -having two tours in Vietnam flying C130,s Da Nang was where i got my DFC medal-do not know if I will go back-but would like my wife to see it
Welcome Home Alan. And Thank you.
Alan, thanks for your service in a very hot area. I was in logistics in 1968 in Saigon and the first TET offensive. We had some scares, but nothing like you experienced. I respect and am humbled by combat soldiers such as yourself for their sacrifices. I was able to see some of Vietnam and you are correct. It is a gorgeous country. We intend to go back for a visit.
First, I want to thank Alan Buckelew for his post and for the combat service he saw in Vietnam. I’m so glad that he had a chance to go back. I have not, but I am thinking about it more and more.
Second, I want to say that I was part of the 9 out of 10 who served in Vietnam who were not assigned to a combat unit. Although the Army trained me as an Infantry officer, by the time I got to Vietnam in September, 1971, they decided they needed me elsewhere. I was an admin officer with MACV, in Quang Ngai and Chu Lai.
I remember that era as a time of great confusion. I went to Vietnam because I could not imagine saying no to my country, but I would be lying if I said I was not impacted by the hordes of my fellow Americans who were demonstrating again the War in the streets of America.
As the years have passed, the confusion has been all but eliminated. I am proud that I went and served, and I am proud that, as Alan says, we were winning when I left. Every combat veteran I have ever talked with says the same thing–we won on the battlefield but lost in the war of American public opinion and in the halls of Congress.
Finally, I want to say that I have been blessed with knowing many Vietnamese in America over the years. To a person, my reaction to them is the same as my reaction to their countrymen when I was there. They are a beautiful people, incredibly industrious and intelligent. I always wish them well and tell them how happy I am that they now live in a country without war, where they can bloom.
Sign me: Glad that I got on that airplane in September, 1971.
I was in Pleiku Central Highlands with the 25th Infantry Division in 1966-67, and what I am most grateful for today is that our fellow Americans treat today’s military men and women with respect. When we returned from Vietnam we were looked down on by many, but how things have changed. I wear my Vietnam hat on Veterans Day, and am amazed at the number of people that come up to me to say thanks.
Wonderful story! I lost friends in Viet Nam. My brother served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He has spoken of the same mixed feelings. He would like to see it again and at the same time fears the raw nerves that would be exposed. I am glad you had the courage to make the trip and so eloquently put those feelings into words.
Thank you to all those who serve, who have served, and who were lost.
Marian
hi alan. just short and sweet,trained and served with south korean white horse div,64-65-.it was no picnic,any way were taking a cruise feb 8 2011to panamacanal,we love princess,and thank you from the bottom of my heart as we all served to keep the usa safe,god bless all the vetrans
I flew the RF101 for 100 missions over No. Vietnam and came home to talk about it, but like you, I don’t. My wife was teaching at Kadena AFB, Okinawa…..we decided to take the Diamond Princess in April 2011 to walk down memory lane…we are extremely anxious to revisit some of the old haunts where we were before. My wife was very disappointed when they canceled the port of Naha as we had planned a full day going to Kadena in Okinawa…..oh, well….we are very anxious for this cruise. Thanks for your story.
C’est avec beaucoup d’émotion que je viens de lire votre témoignage et je voudrais vous dire tout le respect que j’éprouve envers les militaires et vétérans de nos deux pays. La guerre n’est jamais une solution, mais lorsqu’il n’y en a pas d’autres, avons-nous le choix? Merci pour votre droiture et tous vos sacrifices. Ils me permettent à moi ce soir – comme à des millions d’autres personnes dans le monde – de dormir en paix. Un “Je me souviens” de la part du Québec. Merci.
Thank you, Alan. I can never say thank you enough to all of our Vietman Veterans as I know all too well how you were received upon returning to your own homeland. My dad and two older brothers (marines) served in Vietnam and returned safely home. Last September my younger sister took me on my first cruise… Princess Cruises to say the least. Due to the economic status of our country, I have been unemployed since April. While on the cruise, I did not think for a moment about my situation as I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the magic, Princess Cruises provides. Everything from the entertainment, food, massage, service and a new do! I did ask the massage therapist if princess cruises was hiring and her comment was, “I sure could use someone to do my taxes.” The ironic part is, I didn’t tell her I am a retired accountant! God bless your and your family and thank you Princess Cruises for your excellent service.
Thanks for what your have done.
Hi Alan,
Many thanks for sharing your story. You are indeed one special person and I am guessing this is the reason Princess has chosen you as their chief CEO. This revisiting of a place so different in time and space and now bringing your family in different climate, one of peace and cultural connection, how good is that!. My husband served in Vietnam from ’68-’73 aboard aircraft carriers. I was pleased to learn that being aboard the Princess gave you just the right balance to memories past and present. You have a beautiful family.
In celebration, Pat McCutcheon
Alan: Nice article about Nam. I was there in 67 / 68 and served in the Americal Div 198th LIB (1st/46th Inf) as a medic near Danang. I too had the excitment about returning to Viet Nam in the summer of 1995 for the USA based food machinery company I worked for. They asked me if I wanted to go back (for 10 days) and as you said I told them “been there – done that”. I made the 1995 trip anyway to Ho Chi Minh City and found it to be a growing city, at that time still climbing out of the war depression. The good thing was the Vietnamese Government actually did buy food machinery built in Michigan!! Everyone including our clients were friendly, and as you said the food was excellent. Fortunately I’ve been able to quell many of the bad memories, and the trip back helped as well. I would enjoy another trip back there and would like to see Danang this time. Have taken your Princess Alaskan Cruise – enjoyed it very much.
Served with 352d TFS, USAF, Phan Rang AB, 7/67-8/68. Took 40+ years but it’s finally okay to be a VN vet. Just visited an eatery honoring vets with a free meal today. Thought to myself it’s nice and quite generous, but what would the offer have been during those years when we came home and were not able to wear our uniforms out in public? Times change, fortunately; but that era brings back glowing memories of serving with the best of the best yet also those involving how our service was devalued and criticized, i.e., “bombing babies,” etc.
I moved on long ago to a good life and rarely think of Vietnam, but every once in a while………
Thank you for your honorable service. I am Viet Nam vet having served as in the Infantry as a 2nd LT that deployed with D Company 4th Battalion 3rd Infantry 11th Light Infantry Brigade (which became part of the Americal Division). I served mostly in the Chu Lai – Quang Ngai are for the three months I was in country. On March 5th, 1968 I put a new replacement in front of me to begin the morning patrol and 20 minutes later he was laying on the ground mortally wounded while I suffered serious wounds to both legs and the chest. I was evacuated out of the country to a series of military hospitals and ended up at Ft Ord in California. I think many times of the young men I had under my command and what became of them. I also think of the young man that died taking my place that day, an event which changed my outlook on life for ever. I’m glad you had a chance to return to that far off land. I hope to do the same some day.
Thanks so much for caring enough to share this story it brought back memories for sure. Being a Vietnam Vet (67-68) serving in Combat Engineers I ca certainly relate to your story. I have heard that going back is an incredible experience and something that I surely would love to accomplish before I leave this earth. I am not capable of having the resources to do this and most likely never will have tem so your story is a true God send Mr.Buckelew and much appreciated. God Bless you for your service and WELCOME HOME my friend.
I too served in Vietnam, 1969 & 1970, 196th LIB. As with you I managed to ‘compartmentalize’ my pain for many years. At some point you will experience unprovoked emotional outbursts as I did. In five hours of treatment I removed all of my PTSD symptoms, behaviors and emotional triggers. I have removed all remnents of my emotional pain. Please surf http://www.eftuniverse.com. This “Emotional Freedom Technique” is an incredible technique that will change your life. I guarantee it. I’ve traveled on 8 wonderful Princess Cruises and my life is full of joy and excitement for the first time since Nam. Email me if you like. I will be glad to share my experience of recovery.
I served in the Navy (NSA Danang September 1966 to September 1967). Saw the offerings to Southeast Asia in Princess mailings but wasn’t sure it would be a positive experience. Don’t have a lot of great memories of that year. Going out on the Grand Princess January 17 to the Carribean—can’t go wrong with this trip!!
Thank you Alan. What a great story. I worked for the US Public Health service and served 2 years in a Vietnaminese hospital in Danang from 65-67 The fall of 2008 I took the princess cruise from Alaska to Bankok. We stopped in Saigon and NhaTrang. What a change, I had been to both cities before and couldn’ believe the change. The people are very f riendly, most are young and don,t know much about the war. Everyone should return. My husband was also in VietNam and he was’t crazy about returning but had the security of the ship. I also took a land trip in 2007 with my cousin and returned to DaNang. I would return again
Thank you for sharing and starting such a stirring list of comments. I to have hessitated at every opportunity to return to Viet Nam and maybe the wonderful comments from these brave souls will provide the motivation I need. I spent my 19th birthday in Quang Tri and as others have said grew up that year. As for Princes they provided my wife and I with the best vacation of our lives on sea and land through Alaska. A truely wonderful experience every day. May I ask the readers to please share a prayer for those families that lost a loved one in that far away land. And May God Bless you all.
I read your article with interest. I also read some comments. I didn’t serve in Viet Nam I was the wife at home and a very young one at that. My daughter was 18 days old when my husband left. We were so poor he had a frozen dinner for a send off. We served together in the military for 20 years, our marriage made it to 27 and then it ended. I’m sure we had too many separations to make it last, but made a good stab at it. I moved so many times I hate to say the jobs listed on my resume. But the one thing I know that does bother my ex- is Viet Nam, he did get to Siagon (which as everyone that served knows was the original name). I’m sure it was great reprieve and probably more but……………. one moves on. God Bless all the veterans on Veterans Day as we all know Freedom is not free.
My wife and hive have cruised with Princess over 30 times. Never had a desire to go past Hawaii. Spent 3 years and 28 days sea duty on the Pacific Ocean, Far East, 1960 through 1963. Radioman, U.S.S. Hornet CVS 12 and U.S.S. Bellatrix AF 62. My wife asks if I would like to go back, Maybe to Hong Kong, but that is it. Steve
Wow, Alan, your story and the replies from other soldiers brought tears to my eyes. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE FOR OUR COUNTRY. My son-in-law currently serves in the U.S. Army and one of my dearest friends is a Colonel. You all truly have my deepest appreciation and respect.
It gives me great pleasure to have served our troops in Vietnam as an Air Force coprsman assigned to the 93rd Med Evac unit – stationed in Da Nang, 1969 – 1970. Of the years I served in the Air Force – this was by far the most memorable – because it provided a service vital to the well being of those Army and Mariine servicemen needing medical atention. My deepest respect and admiration to those service men and women who are engaged in todays battles – may they return unharmed and with a hero’s welcome. to all veterans – Happy Veterans Day – You did well.
thank you….I was there 66 thru 67…
Wishing everyone who served a good Remembrance Day. Like many of the posts…at 65 maybe ready to make a return one last time to the land that “grew me up”.
RVN 67-68
5TH SPECIAL FORCES
Thanks for your story. I am like many others, would love to return but find an excuse everytime the thoughts touch me. Perhaps your adventure will help kick start me to go back.
Army Security Agency
Pleiku, Central Highlands, 1968-69
Welcome home brother. Great story. Perhaps someday before I leave this earth I will do what you did and go back over there. Not quite ready yet. Take care and Happy Veterans Day.
Sgt. 173rd Airborne Brigade, VN 69-70.
Thanks to all of us who served wherever and whenever, and thanks to those whose thoughts were with us all.
USA 1st Log/126th Finance Pleiku, SV
2/68 – 4/69
I SALUTE you for your service Alan!
Best regards, Bill Cope
Polecat 24, 192nd Assault Helicopter Company, Vietnam, Jun71-Dec71
Gladiator 16, 57th Assault Helicopter Company, Vietnam, Dec71-Mar72
Thanks for your service, Alan. And thanks for the great report on your visit to DaNang. I served there with the Navy Seabees from Tet ’69 to Tet ’70. Our camp was at Red Beach, where the Marines landed in March 1965. The big Marine Force Logistics Command was nearby…..which was probably the one thing that brought danger to us. The VC weren’t particularly accurate with their 122mm rockets, so when they missed FLC, they sometimes hit us.
I was involved in the Civic Action program in the refugee villages of Phuoc Thanh and Phuoc Quan. I taught English to villages, mostly Vietnamese school teachers. It was a great way to meet the people and learn about their country and customs. They were very glad we were there (and didn’t have fond memories of the French who were there in the 50′s). I also collected money from our Seabees to pay tuition for the kids to go to school. We sometimes hosted them in our camp with an ice cream social. I also had our guard shack collect unused C-rats (that the mid-to-0400 perimeter guards were issued) and took them to the Sisters who ran a nearby orphanage. The kids loved those tins of crackers, peanut butter, jam, etc. I felt really sorry for my friends in the villages when we pulled out. I knew many would be slaughtered. But fate had an upside for me. I served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk from 1977-1980. On our 1979 deployment, President Carter ordered us to search for Vietnamese boat people and get them to safety because Cambodian and Thai pirates were looting, pillaging and murdering them. I was especially happy to see that many of those families assimilated quickly into American life and their children were finishing school at the top of their class. They new first-hand the value of education, and set an example for our kids. As for returning back to the good ol’ USA, our Vietnam homecoming was non-existent. In the Autumn of 1979, the president of S. Korea was assassinated. Our battle group was sent there to patrol off the coast to ensure N. Korea didn’t take advantage of the instability and attack S. Korea. After a few weeks, we made a port call to Pusan. The people on the street often stopped us and thanked us for being there and holding off N. Korea. That felt good. Then we were extended 3 months and sent off the coast of Iran when they took Americans hostage at the embassy. The carrier USS Nimitz relieved us in late January. As we sailed home, America beat Russia in hockey. Patriotism was high, so we had fire boats escort us into San Diego Bay and a large crowd gathered on the pier to celebrate our return. It was a great moment……helped to make up for the lack of a homecoming from Vietnam. I am happy to hear that Princess has great deals for veterans. I will look into a cruise to Vietnam. I would like to visit “my” villages. To my fellow veterans, Happy Veterans Day today. Thank you for your service!
Thank you for your service and in your case service above and beyond. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt story; you should be very proud of your service — I am very proud of you.
All my best
Thanks for serving, my father Norman was in General Patons Army, my father was on the DDAY landing , we were on the British Isles Princess Cruise, when we were there we walked in the sand, where he did carring a gun. My talented father,, Norman Francis Mcginley was in the army band and entertained the men and gave them some relief. He taught me &my brother to give and we do with passion. My family is from Sherman Oakes California, his mother leona worked at the ration board and the Hollywood Canteen……What a Wonderful Day to remember all that fought for us and keep us safe. My husband served in the army and was Mamie Eisenhower’s guard in Atlanta while she was on the golf course, in her pink cottage….I am proud to be a daughter and wife of a Army Men…….melody mcginley whitelaw
Just back from a great Panama Canal cruise on the Coral Priness, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Veteran’s Day. I say with sincerity, OORAH and Welcome Home. I like to remember the reminder that we did not lose the war in Vietnam, the politicians in Washington would let us win it!
U.S Air Force Vet
22 Air Refueling Wing (SAC)
“You Can’t Kick Ass Without Gas”
1961-1967
I graduated high school in 1971 and went on to college but knew a few fellows who had just returned from Viet Nam. I am thankful you had this opportunity to return on the cruise and appreciate your candor in sharing your feelings while there. I hope many of the “new friends” here who also served in the Armed Forces there will have the same opportunity. Princess Cruises are very special at that. God Bless you for your service and I also pray for our troops in service now–that they too will find resolve in these sometimes “hard to phathom” measures.
Alan,
Thanks for your service to our great country! I don’t know that I could ever face the terrible memories that seem all too clear, even today, as heroically as you seem to have done. Congratulations on a great article though. I served in “I” Corps in 1969 with the Fourth Marines and although my wife occasionally asks me if I would be interested in taking a trip to show her where I served the desire to do so has not surfaced within me yet. However, the idea of taking a cruise, where the nightly “safety & security” of being able to return to a Princess ship is possible, may make it easier to do so some day. I see mention in a few other posts that you offer retired vets a discount, How about disabled Vietnam veterans? is there a program available for us? My wife and I are cruising on our 7th Princess cruise in February of 2011. Not to Vietnam, but the beautiful southern Caribbean.
Thanks again for your service and “Welcome Home Brother!”
Semper Fi
Kevin R. Fallon USMC 1969-70
Disabled Vets are indeed a part of the Military OBC program. You should call 1-800-Princess for more details.
Hi Mr. Bucklelew,
I also was in Vietnam 68-69. It was quite an experience. I commanded a battalion during most of my tour.
My wife and I are on the Ocean Princess in January. I wanted to go back and found out about the Princess cruise. We are looking forward to the cruise.
I along with the many others thank you for your service and especially that you returned.
I didn’t know that Princess gave a credit to retired service members. I will be contacting Customer service to see what can be done.
Thank you once again.
Bill
We definitely do provide a special credit for retired service members, as well as active service members and those who served in a combat zone, even if only for a few months AND for all wounded veterans.
Thank you for your article. I lost a husband who served in Vietnam to an “agent orange” cancer, multiple myeloma. I visited Vietnam a few years ago, and wished he had been there to share it with me, but it was a moving experience nonetheless.
My husband served his unappreciative country in Vietnam. He survived, but many of his young fellow SOS team members died horrible deaths at the hands of the Viet Cong and their sympathizers. I cannot fathom why any soldier who endured this misbegotten tour of duty would ever fell compelled to return to such a place of nightmares.
Alan, That was an excellent personal experience and the more citizens read those the further we can bury the stigma of Vietnam. Also, congratulations on your success, Princess never disappoints, and for the first timers, I highly recommend the Holy Land Cruise….YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. My Vietnam experience at Cam Ranh Bay, 69-70, at the Naval Air Facility, was an aberration compared to you. The South Koreans were tasked with protecting II Corp, and did a very good job at that. Consequently, we enjoyed a swimming pool, outdoor excerise area, outdoor movie theatre, excellent enlisted and officer clubs, and many other perts such that many troops enjoyed incountry 1-day R & R’s there. Two shipmates were lost a week after I left as a result of a VC PRG shot to the Main Gate watch tower, and I share the pain of their families. Just the same, I envy your trip, I would love to see CRB today.
I went to Viet Nam last January on the Ocean Princess. My husband and I were hesitant to go as his brother was a MIA…..and all of my family served there during the war. We had two separate guides and started to discuss the war. One guide was from the highlands….Her Dad was a Viet Cong…The other guide’s father fought for the South and was in a “reeducation camp” after the war. Interestingly, neither father would talk to their daughters about the war….They both said it was too painful. The former Viet Cong father has a coffee plantation in the highlands now and the former South Viet Nam father owns a business in DaNang. Both daughters have graduated University now…..Life changes, and life goes on. Glad we went to VietNam…had a great time there…much better than expected. It closed some wounds…I love Princess….Thank you for making me do that…..:)
watson fioricetfioricet eo
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This is really interesting. I ran across this while looking for a Princess cruise for Thanksgiving. I flew F-4s out of Thailand and tried to do my best to put the ‘snake and nape’ where you needed it when things were tough. I would like to think somebody came home that wouldn’t have if the bombs weren’t on target. Don’t know about going back over there; have to think about that one. Nice to know the boss of Princess is a Vietnam Viet.
Mox:
A pair of F-4s saved our entire platoon on one occasion; so I have a soft spot in my heart for all the air support we received.
Thank you for your service.
Regards
Marine 67-68 I Corps. You couldn’t pay me enough to go back to the armpit of the world. I won’t go into what it was like, or the “people” since all that were there know what I mean & those that wern’t will never know.
I also don’t think about it unless stuff like this comes along. Would prefer not to.
I do wish I could have made it to the Gulf stuff & current war (this one is righteous) but retired in 93 & didn’t get a chance in 91.
Wouldn’t mind going back to Thailand, now that was a good liberty!
Visited Saigon last Mar. Flew over 300 missions over the North in that area of the world. There is still trash in the Saigon streets from when I finally left there in 1975.
God Blessed You, Alan……….he knew your path then, giving you a young soldier’s view of what war produces, but God knows your path now, and through your story, we your listeneners, your past passengers (Elite) can say Welcome Home once again and God Bless You. I’m a Korean War, Guam civil service golden oldie.
Welcome home, buddy.
I was in the Delta in 68-69 and went back there last year for a visit. I had only one dejavu
moment when the tour group was walking along a ricepaddy dike and I just wanted to yell
at them to spread out. You are right, it has not changed much, although all the bicycles have been replaced by motos. I went to the rooftop garden bar of the Rex in Saigon and it was so different without the big cover over it to prevent snipers and hand grenades. I had two good buddies both of whom died from presumed Agent Orange cancers.
Love this article
Thought is the blossom; language the bud; action the fruit behind it.
Am sure it is because of your leadership that Princess does such a great job with veteran recognition – wife and I will soon depart on our second Princess cruise (our first was a 7 day Mexican Rivera in 09 and it was a 5 star experience) – this time we will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary – with a 15 day Panama Canal cruise – LA to Ft. Lauderdale –
departing on the Island PRincess on 5 Nov. – heard about the Princess on on-board credit offer for vets – as I am retired Air Force 1959 to 1979 – with close to 24 months of Viet Nam service time – faxed all required paperwork and was sure that due to the late date of my submittal I would not get the OBC – – – you guys responded in less than 4 hours with a $250.00 credit – now that’s what I call customer service!!!! You can count on us to book future cruises!!!
Alan, “Welcome Home.” I returned to Vietnam in April, 2009, to research my book, “Cold War Burning.” I was in Vietnam, 70-71 with MACV, team leader of a MAT team, Quang Ngai province. I wrote a daily blog of my 3-week trip, you can find it on the internet under the name of my book. I flew into Saigon and ended in Hanoi. I traveled solo for where I needed to go, tours such as yours did not go. I went by bus, back of a scooter, rick-shawl, pedal bike and my own two feet when the roads ended. From Saigon, I went to Dalat, Nha Trang, Quang Ngai, Hoi An, Danang and Hanoi. I was totally surprised how friendly the people were down south, not so in Hanoi. I saw a country yet divided in ideology. I hope you read my book.
D.S. Mudd
Ecnoomies are in dire straits, but I can count on this!
I served in Vietnam with HQ Co, USARV Special Troops, from 1970-71. Since our command included specialized MOSs – dog handlers, demolitions experts, journalists, divers, etc. – serving throughout the country, it is difficult to read more than a few comments at a time without recalling memories of familiar places, units, friendships and lost comrades. As others have said, these memories have been long supressed and rarely shared with others. I plan to recommend reading your experience and the related comments to my family as a far better statement of my feelings than I could ever express – and to move a Vietnam cruise itinerary to the top of my priority list! Thank you!
Alan, as I read your story and all the comments I reflect on a kaleidoscope of memories and feelings. Thank you for your service to country and sharing your story. I too was in the service during the Vietnam era. I had a critical occupational deferment. However my draft board was burned to the ground (arson), I was drafted with only nine days to report for duty. To say my life was shaken is an understatement. I chose to serve with duty and honor. I entered service as a private, received a direct commission and left as a Major with just over two years of active duty. I served with many fine comrades seeing many return broken in body, spirit or both. Much of my active duty was in the Washington DC area. My fellow soldiers and I had to wear civilian clothing due to American snipers shooting at us… yes in our nations capital! I am saddened by the lack of support our men and women received. Many Vietnam vets are now roaming the streets, alone and broken, still searching for the answers. One can question war with its atrocities but can still support those who serve and sacrifice for their country and its freedom. I’ve often wondered if the families of those serving on both sides of all wars have the same questions and tears. Part of my training was writing the letters to families of the lost men and women. Recently I saw two Marines at the door of a neighbor carrying the same message. My heart and soul still scream for peace.
My wife and I have taken many Princess cruises. I was particularly touched by the gesture of veteran recognition on one. All vets were invited to a gathering in one of the lounges, treated to a drink and asked to share where and when they served along with a few words about their service. It was a most touching gathering. Perhaps Princess can make this a regular activity on all cruises?
I have been traveling and on airplanes a good bit recently. I see so many soldiers in-route. I ask, they tell me tell me their war-zone destination. On a recent trip I sat by a lady who shared that she was traveling to pick-up her son’s body, a casualty of Afghanistan. Her sadness was profound.
My memories are once again triggered, my prayers resonate for peace and all those who suffer from war. Please tolerate my ramblings but share my prayer……..
What a beautiful and heartfelt note. We were all so wrong in so many ways during Viet Nam. It seems, however, that we have learned to hate war but love the warrior. That is as it should be. As a mother, my heart goes out to all of those girls and boys (because that’s what so many of them were) that were damaged by both war and their own country’s reaction to it. May it never happen again. Thank you for sharing your story.
Hi Don,
Thank you fo much for taking the time time comment.
We are so happy that you enjoyed this event onboard! This is a great suggestion and we will make sure to pass it along to the appropriate department.
Alan, I also did not know that you returned to Vietnam. I too would like to visit where you guys served in 1969 as well. I am so happy that your visit was an enjoyable one and that you did not experience any bad memories. The Fox Force Family is truly a great bunch of guys amd I am proud to know each and every one of you. Thank You for sharing this with us.