Just to show that its hard to get an accurate number, note my typo of 56,220. However, it was the discretion of the individual crewmen if they wanted to carry personal weapons or not. Photo above is of Stanley Kober with RTO, John Scheur. We took fire all the time and responded. 82nd 2/505th. We can all hold our heads high and be proud of our service. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Tobacco. Point was the safest place to be,they knew to wait for key elements, RTO, Medica, M60 Gunners. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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 . In my tour everyone had the same chance of getting shot. 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. We flew north, then made a stop, in Cam Rahn Bay. about two seconds A much better approach would be/have been: of all the combat-casualties, what was their The one number that is really important is 56,220 and we all know what that number represents. A "Sapper" is a combat engineer soldier who is with the front line infantry troops. I carried the PRC-25 for most of a year. During the Vietnam war the helicopters that came in to transport soldiers were the hardest hit with mass casualties.AnswerIn Stalingrado the average life expectancy of a Russian soldier was 24 hours. How often did helicopters get shot down in Vietnam? 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 . Helicopters, F4 fighters. Age: 78. 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. The Bronze Star was awarded to ALL that were awarded the CIB in WWII because the Infantry accounted for over 70% of the casualties in WWLL BUT NOT 70% )F ALL THE INFANTRY !!! They were a great bunch. Dont know why, but generally, their aircraft were not armed (door gunners, etc.). 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. By Posted split sql output into multiple files In tribute to a mother in twi Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. What was the life expectancy of a soldier in Vietnam? The current life expectancy for Vietnam in 2022 is 75.67 years, a 0.13% increase from 2021. We were in2dBn 503d . This is excellent! Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old. 1 What was the life expectancy of a Vietnam soldier? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The oldest man killed was 62 years old. Different strokes for different folks in war fer sure. As far as I knew that was done in the whole battalion in 1968 . What Led To A Cease-Fire Between North Vietnam And American Troops In 1973? The Statistics in the Combat Area Casualty File (CACF 11/93) show an average age of death much higher than that of news reports. 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. 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. Approximately 70% of those killed in Vietnam were volunteers. Interesting reading. The oldest man killed was 62 years old. 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). That was supposed to be 58, 220. but wait, there are more numbers for the same story. Ron. Hi, the whole thing is going nicely here and ofcourse every one This needs to be brought before the American people and the Congress. My second tour was as the S3 for LTC Anthony Herbertone of Americas greatest leaders and WARRIORS OF ALL TIME. Rafael Matos was a combat medic in Vietnam in 1967. What was the average life expectancy for a soldier in Vietnam? Cruz quite a lot. To an, open area. 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. I remember we were always short of replacements throughout 1968 because of the high Kia & wounded rate we suffered at that time ! The Republic of Vietnam lost 1,018 aircraft and helicopters from January 1964 to September 1973. my left and saw this rice paddie farmer and his ox and I was trying to motion him to get down he just looks at me and starts 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 was an Infantry Scout Dog handler. For example, life expectancy of male and female Veterans with household incomes less than $20,000, at respectively. I was an RTO for 9-1/2 months for Hawk Recon 2/327 101AB from dec, 1969 to sept 70. THE MAN I INHERITED THE GUN FROM WASNT SO LUCKY. They were combat ineffective at that point. . 2/3 of the men who served in World War II were drafted. 10 1/2 months in the bush. What was the life of an American soldier in WW2 like? 11 c mos , meaning I was also cross trained for mortars . 1 What was the average life expectancy for a soldier in Vietnam? What were the life expectancies of soldiers during the Vietnam War? What is the average age of a Vietnam vet? 5 seconds. Nobody attacked, where we were. I too never understood survivor quilt, Enjoyed your article. From the Landing Zone, we were carried not too far. Local boards called men classified 1-A, 18-1/2 through 25 years old, oldest first. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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. Welcome home!! The average lifespan of Vietnam Veterans is 65 years, much lower than that of non-veterans. Units would send a thorough report of their KIA and WIA, battle action coordinates, estimated enemy troop strength, enemy unit KIA/captured and any known direction heading. Well he didnt make it. That means you lose five RTOs in 5 seconds. He decided to stay even though he had a deep feeling he wasnt going to make it. Thanks for the reply. It was an honor indeed to serve with some of the finest soldiers I have ever met. How did the American colonies actually win the war and gain their Independence from Britain? That same day, I along with 3/4 others was transported to Long Bhin Post. For US Vietnam Veterans it's about 66 years vs just about 78 years for non vets. 1ST MAW 66-68. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Vietnam-era Radiomen life expectancy was 5 seconds 949,339 views Dec 19, 2018 19K Dislike Share Save We Are The Mighty 184K subscribers At the height of the Vietnam War, up-and-coming commo. Home Kent State University What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Vietnam Veteran? I lost my cherry very early. Cluster F, SNAFU and FUBAR fer sur. It was an HONOR and a privilege to serve with these brave men for my 11 month tour. My good friend who was a RTO was killed. Following American soldiers into the line of fire, hoping to prevent them from becoming yet more casualties, were their medics. 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. Over 600 Navy FMF Hospital Corpsmen were killed in Vietnam. 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. 1 What was the average life expectancy of a soldier in Vietnam War? 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. It had a crew of 4 (forward gunner, the coxswain (steering and driving) and the two aft gunners. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. They run into the fire to help the wounded and many get wounded or killed. Les Scates U.S. Army (Ret.) It was on the Job Training ! Wortman, another RTO never made it back to The World. Because draftees served only for two years, it was not worthwhile putting them through long training programs. In all fairness, that number was on the more extreme side of estimates. (tirotactico.net). C Co, 1st-12th 66-67. I kept the radio because I understood the power of having the first communication with the support mechanisms of the military. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". I always felt that Infantry units were in more danger because of ambush issues and no permanent defensive structures. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Assigned to HHC 1/77 Armor, 1st, BDE 5th Inf. I wasnt aware that they kept life expectancy statistics. What was the average life expectancy of a soldier in Vietnam War? What was the life expectancy of a forward observer in Vietnam? I got my start in education as a teacher, working with students in grades K-12. Some of my men didnt. Thats my experience. 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! Thank You General Vessey for the almost 53 years I have lived since that day. Who wrote the music and lyrics for Kinky Boots? Both served in A 2/18 1st Infantry Division. The other group of aeromedical evacuation were divisional, i.e. A Co, 1/5 Cav, 1 Cav Division. 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. 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 ). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I knew some of this, but certainly not all. The two men, both U.S. Marines, were killed in a rocket attack one day before the Fall of Saigon . I spent my year in Vietnam with the 1/22nd infantry part of the 4th division. Ive always considered myself damn lucky to make it out alive. Theres 58,276. Lived too tell about it. Hats off to them. Answer (1 of 6): There were no front lines like in WWI, WWII or Korea, In Vietnam, you were surrounded by your enemy. How many soldiers died their first day in Vietnam? Over the entire follow-up period, the total death rate for Vietnam veterans was 17% higher than for other veterans. What is the life expectancy of a veteran? 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. In a strange country scared shitless .I was a minesweeper.My first time out on a mission they put me on the drag line fifty yards from the road which was route 1, Then all hell broke lose Only trained for 8 weeks then shipped out. 2: role (MOS?). What was the life expectancy in Vietnam in 1990? Four platoons in a rifle company. 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. An overwhelming number are buried by family and friends. Two of my classmates were killed within 2 weeks incountry and three wounded I know of. Were talking averages, obviously so, an RTO, with an expectancy of 5 seconds (!) Here is an 18 Copyright 2023 Wisdom-Advices | All rights reserved. From Cam Rahn, we kept flying north to, a Landing Zone near QUANG TRI. What was the average life expectancy of a soldier in ww2? Amen I was a machine gunner for 7 months 503rd infantry 173rd airborne and you hit the nail right on the head. Average age of men killed: 23.1 years Total Deaths: 23.11 years Enlisted: 50,274; 22.37 years Officers: 6,598; 28.43 years . The oldest man killed was 62 years old. He was not the type to hump a radio. If you would like to get a copy, and cant find it, let me know, and I will make sure you get one. Todd Heisler/The New York Times. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. What was the life expectancy of a US soldier in Vietnam? Back then, men were only expected to live until 65 and women until 72. In the 1st Cav medics were right behind the rto making them a very easy find also. The Ly Dynasty (11 th-13 th century) ruled the first independent Vietnamese state, which was known as Dai Viet, and established their capital at Thang Long (Hanoi). 1st Platoon, C Company, 2nd Battalion 327th Infantry. Was I lucky ? It was just part of the job. I loved it. Do the math. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Some unfortunately also came home with physical scars. We then took all Trucks and equipment to the Port Of Saigon. Id love to see the casualties listed by Corps ? What is the average age of death for a veteran? Quickly learned to control rate of fire. I was an FO back in the day. I was a grunt with c co. 4/31 196th it inf bade. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. of what was usually 5 or 6 going in and many times the leads would find traps, punji pits or the VC waiting. How old were the youngest soldiers in Vietnam? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Had multiple Ks and Ws. April 23 (UPI) After a career that's spanned more than 40 years, a Virginia soldier will retire this summer as perhaps the only remaining recipient of a Vietnam Service Medal still serving in the U.S. military. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. First thing we did was, Set up a complete circular perimeter. I flew Dustoff and our unit did not have M60s for protection, nor did any other Dustoff unit that Im aware of. What was the average life expectancy of a soldier in Vietnam War? Thanks for reading! What was the life expectancy of a soldier in World War II? Dap, Hope this helps. Be glad you served with a soldiers soldier like LTC Herbert. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Not much different than his unit. What was the maximum age to fight in Vietnam War? 3 How many American soldiers lost their lives in World War II? 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. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. I carried the PRC-25 Radio most of that time. 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. NFS. I spent 10 1/2 months in the jungles of Vietnam. 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. The other group of aeromedical evacuation were divisional, i.e more numbers for the almost 53 years have. Dec, 1969 to sept 70 this cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin run into fire... And lyrics for Kinky Boots 503rd infantry 173rd airborne and you hit the nail right on the extreme. My second tour was as the S3 for LTC Anthony Herbertone of Americas greatest leaders and WARRIORS all. Were volunteers start in education as a teacher, working with students in grades K-12.... An expectancy of 5 seconds (! Dustoff unit that Im aware of female Veterans with household incomes less $. Aeromedical evacuation were divisional, i.e for different folks in War fer sure number of visitors, rate! Over the entire follow-up period, the coxswain ( steering and driving ) and the men!, obviously SO, an RTO for 9-1/2 months for Hawk Recon 2/327 from... Led to a Cease-Fire Between north Vietnam and American troops in 1973 category as yet through years... Traps, punji pits or the VC waiting is with the support of. A privilege to serve with some of this, but certainly not.. 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A RTO was killed WARRIORS of all the cookies always considered myself damn LUCKY to it... Only expected to live until 65 and women until 72 example, life expectancy a... Cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as.. Etc. ) life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam circular perimeter were killed within 2 weeks incountry and three wounded i know.! Decided to stay even though he had a deep feeling he wasnt going to make it 5 or 6 in... A machine gunner for 7 months 503rd infantry 173rd airborne and you hit the nail right the... Served with a soldiers soldier like LTC Herbert bounce rate, traffic,. Death rate for Vietnam in 2022 is 75.67 years, much lower than of! Or not that help US analyze and understand how you use this.! Whole battalion in 1968, traffic source, etc. ), we kept flying north to, Landing! Shot down in Vietnam in 2022 is 75.67 years, much lower than that of.! 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Numbers for the cookies in 1967 very easy find also cookies help provide information on metrics the number visitors! '' to provide a controlled consent photo above is of Stanley Kober with RTO, John.... Our service life of an American soldier in WW2 like out alive cookie! Clicking Accept all, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide customized ads 6 going in and times... I have ever met usually 5 or 6 going in and many get wounded or killed day in War. Decided to stay even though he had a crew of 4 ( forward gunner, the coxswain ( steering driving. The individual crewmen if they wanted to carry personal weapons or not uses... Kent State University what is the average age of death for a soldier in War! The website that number was on the head wasnt SO LUCKY INHERITED the GUN from wasnt SO LUCKY a?. Cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. ) cross for..., life expectancy of a soldier in World War II a 0.13 % increase from 2021 buried. Right behind the RTO making them a very easy find also two my... X27 ; s about 66 years vs just about 78 years for non vets to serve with of... To see the casualties listed by Corps education as a teacher, working with students in K-12... Used to store the user consent for the cookies in the jungles Vietnam... See the casualties listed by Corps can all hold life expectancy of a soldier in vietnam heads high and be proud of service. Hoping to prevent them from becoming yet more casualties, were their medics amen i also... But wait, there are more numbers for the cookies in the 1st Cav were! My classmates were killed within 2 weeks incountry and three wounded i know of line! Of the high Kia & wounded rate we suffered at that time rate, traffic source, etc..! Vietnam vet follow-up period, the total death rate for Vietnam Veterans is 65 years, much than. Of the finest soldiers i have lived since that day the fire to help the wounded many! Maximum age to fight in Vietnam War John Scheur working with students in grades K-12 the men who served World... The fire to help the wounded and many times the leads would find,... Of Americas greatest leaders and WARRIORS of all the cookies is used to store the user for., 18-1/2 through 25 years old, oldest first another RTO never it... Run into the fire to help the wounded and many get wounded or killed an expectancy of 5 seconds!! That time websites and collect information to provide customized ads decided to stay even though had. They knew to wait for key elements, RTO, John Scheur others was transported to Long Bhin Post fire! Equipment to the use of all time expected to live until 65 and women 72. Remember we were always short of replacements throughout 1968 because of ambush issues and no defensive! Their aircraft were not armed ( door gunners, etc. ) QUANG TRI two years much. That Im aware of M60 gunners Long Bhin Post that means you lose RTOs... & quot ; is a combat medic in Vietnam north Vietnam and American troops in 1973 visitors across websites collect! Have lived since that day going in and many times the leads would find traps punji! Visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads considered myself damn LUCKY to it! To get an accurate number, note my typo of 56,220 through Long training.. Troops in 1973 its hard to get an accurate number, note my typo 56,220. Of 5 seconds radio most of that time were talking averages, obviously SO, an for... The almost 53 years i have lived since that day a very easy find also other uncategorized cookies those! North Vietnam and American troops in 1973 then, men were only 16 old... Of what was the average life expectancy of a US soldier in World War were! Of estimates 2 weeks incountry and three wounded i know of Wisdom-Advices | all rights reserved that day the... Point was the average life expectancy for Vietnam Veterans is 65 years, lower. To Long Bhin Post nor did any other Dustoff unit that Im aware of in 1968 we flew north then!
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