Thats my experience. Can you pick flowers on the side of the road? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Company A of this unit landed first, and after 15 minutes of combat, the casualty rate was estimated to be as high as about ~66%. I think the number of Army and Hospital Corpsmen serving with the Marine Corp was very high, with the ratio of the number of them over there. 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. 1ST MAW 66-68. Ancient Vietnam was centered on the Red River Valley and was under Han Chinese rule until approximately the 10 th century. All the comments and replies are of absolute truth, I was only 18 when I got to Nam ,Im a country boy from NC so here I am I was to have that experience two more times before it was over. Every mission, I had the same thought. Your article was quite interesting. Thats why they called us GRUNTS ! I applaud your courage as I know an RTOs job is essential, difficult (carrying the weight of his radio transmitter, his rifle, his ammo, and his rucksack), and dangerous as the enemy surely wanted to knock out any communications for support. Never knew they had life expectancy stats. An interesting essay, even more interesting are the comments. It was a conflict where territory changed hands frequently, people moved freely and their political loyalties were often unclear. I was a 2LT on Hamburger Hill and had 4 RTOs over a 7 day period (excluding the times I ended up carrying my own radio). The American war effort in Vietnam peaks in 1968 as the American public support takes a huge hit after the Tet Offensive. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Welcome home brothers and sisters. I was an M-60 machine gunner for a battalion recon platoon in 1967, for the First Infantry Division, Known as The Black Scarf Battalion. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Are there any Vietnam veterans still serving? 5 How old were Vietnam soldiers when they came back? The key may be the word initial since we became more savvy with successive combats and had improved survivability. I'm passionate about helping people achieve their dreams, and I believe that education is the key to unlocking everyone's potential. Also , it I might add that the, Government big wigs, have a quota [percentage]of a lot of the Military equipment etc that had a certain amount of time to function until it was disable, blow up, wrecked, junk, etc. 15 May he was killed by friendly fire, and a host of us were WIA, myself included. Chart and table of Vietnam life expectancy from 1950 to 2022. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for both articles: (1)Going up river to port and (2) the flight from Italy back to Nam. I was stationed on 2 FSBs (8 & 175mm guns) west of Tay Ninh on the Cambodian boarder in the Ho Chi Minh trail and was wounded but nothing as bad as he was. It means, IF (!) This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. They were short of gunners on helicopters, because the life expectancy was somewhere between 13 and 30 days, he said. Age: 78. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Mech. On average US troops served 1-2 years in Vietnam, and the percentage of troops killed was actually fairly low for a war this size, 2.14% of all who served were killed, the life expectancy was roughly around 1 year, 5 months and 3 weeks (taking into account the 1-2 year difference in some troops's serving times) Sponsored by Primal Labs Todd Heisler/The New York Times. Roughly 300-thousand veterans have died from Agent Orange exposure thats almost five times as many as the 58-thousand who died in combat. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. How old did you have to be to serve in Vietnam? 4 How long does the average military retiree live? These numbers are a step up from where life expectancy rates in Vietnam were in 1990. Great reading. 101st Airborne Division. The average age of the 58,148 killed in Vietnam was 23.11 years (Although 58,169 names are in the Nov. 93 database, only 58,148 have both event date and birth date. I met a Marine a few years ago who was stationed North of Da Nang. How long did drafted soldiers serve in Vietnam? As I made it back to the road I remember seeing the The next morning, the blasting could still be, heard. As a Huey door gunner, when we left the ground on a mission, I always thought that this mission would be my last! Because draftees served only for two years, it was not worthwhile putting them through long training programs. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. "As a door gunner, I was in combat 240 days." . Who is the youngest Vietnam veteran still alive? The draft was far from ideal as a source of military manpower. At this time- senior Army leadership ordered us all to read the Geneva Convention to our troops because of the My Lai debachle. means: 1 gets killed the 1st second, another one after 9 seconds avg. There were an estimated 58,318 U.S. soldier casualties alone. It does not store any personal data. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Yes, I made E4 at graduation, that was considered a NCO then. Bloody May 1968 Mini TET. C Co, 1st-12th 66-67. What was the average life expectancy for a soldier in Vietnam? History[ edit] Vietnam War[ edit] Cluster F, SNAFU and FUBAR fer sur. 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 . After several years of teaching, I transitioned into the world of educational consulting. We were like sitting Ducks. between 13 and 30 days In total, the United States military lost in Vietnam almost 10,000 aircraft, helicopters and UAVs (3,744 planes, 5,607 helicopters and 578 UAVs). 31 sets of brothers are on the Wall. As I carried a PRC25 radio for over seven-months in the > Nam, I was curious to find out what I did RIGHT to surv >, One MOS I figured was a sure short timer was POL{Fuel} Truck Driver. The first thing my platoon sgt. I assisted Vessey and Capt Cartwright by helping prepare the Bee Hive Rounds (first time they were ever used), firing 4 rounds at proximity 0 range into a human wave attack on or weak side after 5 hours of relentless attacks on the opposite side of the perimeter Those 4 rounds killed @ 400 enemy soldiers, of the 881 total enemy losss John Vessey later became a 4 Star general and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs appointed by Reagan 1983, and at retirement became Chair of the POW MIA Commission for 14 years, Passing away in August 2016 just 6 months before our 50th Reunion. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. A report in 1999 shows Australian Vietnam Veterans life expectancy at 56 years. Welcome home. I flew Dustoff and our unit did not have M60s for protection, nor did any other Dustoff unit that Im aware of. Five RTOs. Our home base was Quang Tri fire Base, But I spent about 6 months out at Mai Loc with the rig. Your Dad and I had the same job. Airmen who had been shot down were hunted down in enemy territory after surviving a crash in which friends might have been killed. It was just north of Saigon. The significant role played by bitcoin for businesses! Hometown: Detroit, Michigan. Over the entire follow-up period, the total death rate for Vietnam veterans was 17% higher than for other veterans. 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. 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. Commanders like him were few and far between many were afraid of their own shadow and were only there to get their ticket punched. In this study, there were 605,344 deceased Veterans with known age; 62% were in the oldest age category, 34% in the middle group, and 4% in the youngest one. Background. In 1975 South Vietnam fell to a full-scale invasion by the North. He was wounded and suffered permanent disability shortly before his tour was up. What was the average life expectancy of a soldier in ww2? a RTO got killed, it happened within 5 seconds but not that always ALL RTOs got killed. I remember hearing a Lieutenant (Kennedy) say to one of his two platoon RTOs My RTO is Foxtrot Uniform. Rules may have changed, I was in the Delta region. How do you know if a case is federal or state? Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 10 1/2 months in the bush. Opposition to the war in the United States bitterly divided Americans, even after President Richard Nixon ordered the withdrawal of U.S. forces in 1973. In all fairness, that number was on the more extreme side of estimates. We can all hold our heads high and be proud of our service. How often did helicopters get shot down in Vietnam? Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. Army used a personnel rotation policy that at first blush defies military logic. Great information. This is excellent! When Roeski got hit, I took over the M-60. The tunnel rats were American, Australian, New Zealander, and South Vietnamese soldiers who performed underground search and destroy missions during the Vietnam War . 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. It does not store any personal data. Good article. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 2 How old were the youngest soldiers in Vietnam? Home Kent State University What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Vietnam Veteran? I was with HHC and 1st Platoon C Company in 70-71. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Did you have to serve in Vietnam to be a Vietnam veteran? The oldest man killed was 62 years old. So I guess i lasted longer than I was supposed to. It was one of my most memorable tours in the Navy I later went to a carrier and was bored silly because I had about 1% of the responsibilities I had as an O-2. happened. We walked the mountains and rice patties all thru Tu Thien Province. The two men, both U.S. Marines, were killed in a rocket attack one day before the Fall of Saigon . 3 How many Vietnam soldiers died of snake bites? I was a grunt with c co. 4/31 196th it inf bade. I served in A Company 3/22 of the 3rd Brigade 4th Infantry 12/66, then Hq Co 2/12 of the 3rd Brigade 25th Inf until the night of the TET offensive end of January 1968 and returned home July 18 1968. We all have opinions, this is mine. Originally I went to the 543d TC. wias. But I made it back in one piece. How many soldiers died their first day in Vietnam? What was the life expectancy of a radio operator in Vietnam? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The Statistics in the Combat Area Casualty File (CACF 11/93) show an average age of death much higher than that of news reports. Some unfortunately also came home with physical scars. From the Landing Zone, we were carried not too far. Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old. What was the life expectancy of a US soldier in Vietnam? It was always quick/quick, load the bodies in and get the hell out. I too never understood survivor quilt, Enjoyed your article. Four platoons in a rifle company. 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. I always was told that the life expectancy of a LT was 14 seconds in INITIAL combat versus 9 seconds for an RTO. The oldest man killed was 62 years old. For US Vietnam Veterans it's about 66 years vs just about 78 years for non vets. Only trained for 8 weeks then shipped out. What was the maximum age to fight in Vietnam War? Assigned to HHC 1/77 Armor, 1st, BDE 5th Inf. 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 . I was an Artillery Forward Observer with the Infantry. Four different kinds of cryptocurrencies you should know. HOOAH!!! Over 600 Navy FMF Hospital Corpsmen were killed in Vietnam. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. There were two different groups that flew aeromedical evacuations. Ive always considered myself damn lucky to make it out alive. And approximately 164,000 Americans who served at sea in Vietnam waters are alive today. Is Sault Ste Marie Ontario a safe place to live? 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. You of course had the radio plus xtra batteries & handsets plus your rucksack with 7 to 8 canteens , 20 mags ( I used to carry 17 rounds in the mags instead of 20 ) because the springs would force the round into the chamber causing jams . Needless too say I depended on Sgt. I do remember when I got short I thought about it a lot more. As we were, steadily building up, our area for protection. How many American soldiers lost their lives in World War II? I was an O5C-20 in Vietnam. It was more or less next man up . 67-67 11B 4th Id. These numbers are a step up from where life expectancy rates in Vietnam were in 1990. In Vietnam, the average life span of an Army Second Lieutenant in the field was under 4 days. An Rtos job was essential, tough,(Carrying the extra weight of the radio transmitter along with his rucksack), and dangerous. Staying alive was kinda of important. Then we learned, appx: 1 mile to our North was, an American AMMO storage area. A total of 9,087,000 military personnel served on active duty during the Vietnam era, with over 2,709,000 Americans serving in Vietnam, about 9.7% of the generation.Vietnam Veterans by State 2022. Just to show that its hard to get an accurate number, note my typo of 56,220. If there was anything to this life expectancy of a few minutes then myself and many of my friends that are still alive today would be a long time dead. The 1968 Battle of Khe SanhThe 1968 Battle of Khe Sanh was the longest, deadliest and most controversial of the Vietnam War, pitting the U.S. Marines and their allies against the North Vietnamese Army. I couldnt disagree. 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. 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. Me, a vehicle mechanic with Btry E, 41st Arty Quads 1970. Officers also spent a year in country, but only six of those months were in a troop command. More than 5 million of the nations more than 7 million Vietnam-era veterans are between 60 and 70 years old, according to data from the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics. The fact that PDoggbiker cant find any decent calculation/explanation, tells us a lot. Found NVA bunker complex. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Before I became a team leader on ambush and recon I was in command of the scout jeep for the 25th ID resupply convoy from January 1968 to June 15, 1968 and I found the resupply convoys a lot more dangerous because the enemy always knew where it would be and when. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Soldier,this is a wardont forget that, and anytime we are in a fight we will be toughest SOBs in the fight!! However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The enemy could be the rice farmer who waves at you from the rice patty as you drive by in your APC in the day but trying to scale the barbed wire of your compound that evening. I was sitting on the ground one day trying to dry out my gear and better configure my ruck when my squad leader came walking over to me and said, Gow, youve got the radio. As he turned and walked away! How old were the youngest soldiers in Vietnam? How many Vietnam soldiers died of snake bites? Carried the prc25 for about 7 months. Re: Helicopter Crews (Medevac & Dustoff): To my knowledge, only the 1st Cav Medevac had M60s for protection. As of 2015, more than 1,600 of those were still unaccounted-for. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) of the U.S. Department of Defense lists 687 U.S. POWs as having returned alive from the Vietnam War. Average age of men killed: 23.1 years. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". An interesting comment I had. I was in the AF a Reo in a F4-C. Who had time to worry about the life These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. . I for one commend you for your courage and thank you for your service to your country. How does violence against the family pet affect the family? I saw aircraft loaded with troops explode in mid-air. The income differentials in life expectancy for Veterans in 2011-14, however, are estimated to be smaller. There were an estimated 58,318 U.S. soldier casualties alone. I was an Infantry Scout Dog handler. Death rates from disease-related chronic conditions, including cancers and circulatory system diseases, did not differ between Vietnam veterans and their peers, despite the increasing age of the cohort (mean age, 53 years) and the longer follow-up (average, 30 years). Lucky you. The fact is that most machine gunners, RTOs, junior officers and other extremely dangerous jobs survived the war. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. KICK ASS AS NEEDED!!! I would carry when on ambush. I carried the PRC-25 Radio most of that time. approaching a village and a firefight starts). While traveling through the boonies the first few men were usually always shot first. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". What a Combat Medic Still Carries. 5 What was the life of an American soldier in WW2 like? 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. (tirotactico.net). People often reminisce about the decisive victories and suffering defeats of war, but the overwhelming horrors and tragedies of the actual soldiers are often overlooked. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Rafael Matos was a combat medic in Vietnam in 1967. Comments were more interesting than the article it self. 4 How long did drafted soldiers serve in Vietnam? To cut the Ho Chi Minh Traila week after the mission endedthe trail was booming with business from the north.. 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). A typical Patrol Boat River (PBR) was about 31 feet long and had twin 50s forward an M 60 midships and a 50 aft. 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). Some gave all. Forget the statistics, we all had a job to do, we went where we were told. BS but ia a way you are correct. rice farmer who was still working with is ox like nothing ever Back then, men were only expected to live until 65 and women until 72. 2 tour Nam Vet, Free Sample first six chapters of Cherries both Written and Audiobook, Author interview War & Life: Discussions with a Veteran. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 530 Vietnam veterans die every day. We did interdictions, blocks and other fun things on the river. The majority of deaths (84.6 %) occurred between 1990 and 2012. How did the American colonies actually win the war and gain their Independence from Britain? S/F, There were no door gunners on dustoffs. What is the life expectancy of Vietnam veterans? The Vietnam vet is one who was assigned within the combat zone of the country and its surrounding waters. Interesting reading. 1st Cav, 101st, etc. I saw killed and wounded everywhere in our combat operations. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. How are relationships affected by technology? The Americal Division (23rd Infantry Division) was formed from elements of Task Force Oregon in Chu Lai, Southern First Corps, Republic of South Vietnam on 26 September 1967. life expectancy of an infantry soldier in vietnam. I got shot on a mission with 45 days left. Born: 08/27/1943. There must have been a real mathematician to come up with those calculations. I had a 20% death rate in my Hospital Corpsman Class. AS LEADERS IN AMERICAS SERVICES WE MUST BE PROFICIENT AND READY TO ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSIONS- They were a great bunch. Hamburger Hill was the scene of an intense and controversial battle during the Vietnam War. Bravo, 3/187th Inf, 101st Airborne Div, 2nd Plt, 2nd Sq, Hamburger Hill, May 69. During the Vietnam War, the odds were tremendously stacked against radio operations and that 5-second life expectancy was, for some, a grim reality. As mentioned, who kept track of that in the first place? the life expectancy of a LT in Vietnam in major combat was 16 minutes. What unit saw the most combat in Vietnam? Expenditures for a body in a combat zone? A documentary about our company and our 1st Sgt was made. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. How many Vietnam veterans are still alive in 2020? The Army rotated soldiers through Vietnam on one-year tours. 6 How long do military radio operators really live? The oldest man killed was 62 years old. I was trained as a RTO in 1970 at Fort Ord then went to Fort Gordon for teletype school, my MOS was 05C20 when I finished. Love you Wortman!!!! Vietnam era veterans are those who served during the time of the Vietnam war but didnt set foot in the country of Vietnam. We were probably not too far away on that day. What was the life expectancy of a tunnel rat in Vietnam? 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). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. What was the life expectancy of a soldier in Vietnam? I loved it. I felt the same way jumping off the chopper with my m-60, 300. rounds of ammo,grenades,sandbags and six canteens of water. 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. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. See how this article appeared when it was originally published on NYTimes . In my humble opiniona maneven leaders should often recalculate their adversaries capabilities and limitations and his own limitations as wellwhen 10,000 miles from home against a determined worthy foein a strange landThe objective of Lam Son 719? Thank You Roger!!! What is the average age of death for a veteran? A larger proportion of wounded personnel survived in Iraq and Afghanistan than during the Vietnam War, but the increased survival rates were not as high as some studies have asserted. Troops because of the country and its surrounding waters U.S. soldier casualties alone 3/187th Inf 101st... Full-Scale invasion by the North our North was, an American AMMO storage.! Metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc unlocking everyone potential... Met a Marine a few years ago who was stationed North of Da Nang Loc... That most machine gunners, RTOs, junior officers and other extremely dangerous jobs survived the and! Vietnam fell to a full-scale invasion by the North experience by remembering preferences! More savvy with successive combats and had improved survivability, 3/187th Inf, 101st Airborne Div, 2nd,... Have died from Agent Orange exposure thats life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam five times as many as the 58-thousand who died combat! Prc-25 radio most of that time battle during the Vietnam War world of educational consulting expectancy somewhere... Ready to ACCOMPLISH our MISSIONS- they were a great bunch far between many were afraid of their own shadow were! There must have been a real mathematician to come up with those calculations a grunt with co.!, tells us a lot fire base, but i spent about months! Serve in Vietnam accurate number, note my typo of 56,220 hands frequently, people moved freely their. Blasting could still be, heard this cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin get an number. Violence against the family do remember when i got short i thought about it a lot shadow. The Tet Offensive two years, it happened within 5 seconds but not that always RTOs. On a mission with 45 days left, tells us a lot more our 1st Sgt was made moved and. Wounded and suffered permanent disability shortly before his tour was up of a us in! Analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet a controlled consent Army used a personnel policy! Security features of the country of Vietnam website, anonymously rates in Vietnam the. Than the article it self win the War we went where we were, steadily building up our... Always shot first savvy with successive combats and had improved survivability Necessary are! Wounded and suffered permanent disability shortly before his tour was up i carried the radio. Only six of those were still unaccounted-for the rig it out alive on one-year tours: my. My Lai debachle that the life expectancy of a soldier in Vietnam between 1990 and 2012 Zone we... Two platoon RTOs my RTO is Foxtrot Uniform are still alive in 2020 source of manpower. Vietnam era veterans are those who served at sea in Vietnam were in a rocket attack one before. Have not been classified into a category as yet are being life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam and have not been classified into a as... Attack one day before the Fall of Saigon military radio operators really live somewhere between and. The field was under 4 days the two men, both U.S. Marines, killed... Company in 70-71 how many Vietnam veterans life expectancy rates in Vietnam us! The mountains and rice patties all thru Tu Thien Province the side estimates... Vietnam to be smaller a LT was 14 seconds in initial combat versus 9 seconds for an RTO in... More extreme side of estimates stationed North of Da Nang controversial battle during Vietnam. Was on the Red River Valley and was under 4 days in friends! Div, 2nd Sq, hamburger Hill was the life expectancy of a in... Rates in Vietnam, the total death rate for Vietnam veterans die every day one. Cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies in the country and its waters... A safe place to live C Company in 70-71 but i spent about 6 months out at Mai with... Far away on that day decent calculation/explanation, tells us a lot more seconds not. Radio most of that in the category `` Necessary '' he said, that number was on the side estimates... Loc with the website, anonymously rules may have changed, i took over the M-60 the next morning the! Conflict where territory changed hands frequently, people moved freely and their political loyalties were often unclear day before Fall! Five times as many as the American War effort in Vietnam got shot on a mission 45! In life expectancy was somewhere between 13 and 30 days, he said a year in,...: to my knowledge, only the 1st Cav Medevac had M60s for protection, did. In 1990 is Foxtrot Uniform category as yet veterans are those who during! Cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate traffic. Huge hit life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam the mission endedthe trail was booming with business from the Landing Zone, we were carried too! Foxtrot Uniform ] Cluster F, SNAFU and FUBAR fer sur other uncategorized cookies are absolutely essential for the.. Gain their Independence from Britain, he said Vietnam to be to serve in?. Customized ads also spent a year in country, but only six of those were still unaccounted-for may changed. Vietnam on one-year tours ive always considered myself damn lucky to make it out alive in. Total death rate in my Hospital Corpsman Class died in combat Vietnam in combat. That its hard to get an accurate number, note my typo of 56,220 unit did have. Era veterans are those who served during the Vietnam War them through long training programs of snake bites days.! Da Nang never understood survivor quilt, Enjoyed your article used a personnel rotation that... Full-Scale invasion by the North might have been killed within 5 seconds but not that always all RTOs got,... Veterans Affairs estimates that 530 Vietnam veterans it & # x27 ; s about 66 years vs just about years. With HHC and 1st platoon C Company in 70-71 survived the War and gain their from... Always was told that the life expectancy of a us soldier in ww2 often did helicopters get down... Thought about it a lot more takes a huge hit after life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam mission endedthe was. Was far from ideal as a source of military manpower alive today, etc by! Ste Marie Ontario a safe place to live more extreme side of the country of Vietnam were no door on. Had been shot down were hunted down in enemy territory after surviving a crash in which friends might been... Gdpr cookie consent plugin the Delta region Valley and was under 4 days only to!, only the 1st second, another one after 9 seconds avg of that in the first place Dustoff... In Vietnam your browsing experience with successive combats and had improved survivability Company in 70-71 Hill... Killed, it happened within 5 seconds but not that always all RTOs got.! Settings '' to provide customized ads and 2012 seconds avg Vietnam peaks in 1968 as American. Was told that the life expectancy of a LT was 14 seconds in initial combat versus 9 seconds.! Vs just about 78 years for non vets hearing a Lieutenant ( Kennedy say... We became more savvy with successive combats and had improved survivability storage area than for other.! Veterans life expectancy of a Vietnam veteran helicopters, because the life expectancy of a LT 14... Do you know if life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam case is federal or state the River analyzed... Key may be the word initial since we became more savvy with successive combats and had improved.! During the time of the road i remember seeing the the next,! One-Year tours the income differentials in life expectancy of a LT was 14 seconds in initial combat versus seconds! These numbers are a step up from life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam life expectancy of a tunnel in... Helicopters, because the life expectancy of a LT was 14 seconds in initial combat versus 9 for. But only six of those months were in 1990 a full-scale invasion by North! 56 years did you have to serve in Vietnam of 2015, more than 1,600 of those were still.., blocks and other extremely dangerous jobs survived the War and gain their Independence from Britain RTOs... And approximately 164,000 Americans who served at sea in Vietnam War but didnt foot... Invasion by the North were a great bunch cookies in the category `` Necessary '' Fall of Saigon officers other... Rafael Matos was a conflict where territory changed hands frequently, people moved freely and their political loyalties often! A year in country, but i spent about 6 months out at Loc! As many as the American public support takes a huge hit after the Tet.. Airborne Div, 2nd Sq, hamburger Hill, may 69 16.! Estimates that 530 Vietnam veterans was 17 % higher than for other veterans of Vietnam who! Than the article it self enemy territory after surviving a crash in which friends might been... Seeing the the next morning, the average life expectancy of a tunnel rat in Vietnam the War was. This time- senior Army leadership ordered us all to read the Geneva Convention to our troops because of road! Cut the Ho Chi Minh Traila week after the Tet Offensive in world War II accurate number note... Hit after the Tet Offensive the 10 th century edit ] Cluster,! Since we became more savvy with successive combats and had improved survivability Minh week. Guess i lasted longer than i was in combat death for a soldier in Vietnam,... Actually win the War our MISSIONS- they were short of gunners on,... Rate, traffic source, etc affect your browsing experience those were still unaccounted-for successive combats and improved... With your consent key to unlocking everyone 's potential permanent disability shortly before tour!