Proud to have served

Editor: Steve Hansen, in his column about military veterans and America in the early ‘70s, poses the question: what was it like for the veterans in that era.

I can present my experience as a Vietnam veteran. I returned from combat duty in March 1970. I served in artillery support of army, navy and Marine forces in locations north of Saigon. It was a rather dangerous place; we were subject to rocket, mortar, and small arms attack.

One night in June 1969 we were surrounded on our small firebase by an estimated 500 enemies who tried to overrun us. Fortunately, they did not. Let me clarify that those of us who were drafted into the army were just as “patriotic” as those who volunteered to join. And draftees, especially Black and Hispanic soldiers, were more likely to be injured or killed in combat.

Both Presidents Johnson and Nixon deserve blame for not understanding that our efforts in Vietnam would not result in victory, because the communists were fighting for what they viewed as their nation, and would not give up the fight. And Russia and China were only too happy to supply heavy weapons to kill us. Note that Hansen has no criticism of Nixon, only of Johnson. A Republican writer, apparently. And Congress was at fault for years of approving funds to continue the war. The public also failed to understand the futility of our continued fight there.

After several years, and seeing over 58,000 young Americans sent home dead, public opinion finally changed, especially with the wisdom of famed journalist Walter Cronkite. As for me, I have noticed, in retrospect, a dismal lack of appreciation by Americans for our service in war, and sacrifices we made in separation from home, family and poor pay. However, I am proud I served. So if you encounter a WWII or Korean war , or any veteran, give them a sincere thank you. I always do. All gave some; some gave all. MICHAEL MOLAMPHY

Lodi