Originally Posted by
The Old Fat One
And as for the 19 year olds that went out there (and their Vietnamese adversaries), I take my hat off and raise a glass to them all. Whatever the politics, them that fought, did so bravely and courageously, in many cases to the bitter end.
I had a girlfriend, years ago, who had her brother killed in Vietnam. 19yrs would have been about his age. Killed moving forward under effective fire to assist those going under. (USMC.) He was older, she looked up to him, she claimed that when he left she experienced pure fear and anxiety. He obviously was never the same again - and neither was she. Nor were her family.
On the other hand I've flown with those who had a very good SE Asian war who were actually enriched by the experience (which mirrored similar experiences in WWII). Time and Place is everything - plus a bit of luck.