HUE, VIETNAM (WTAQ) – As their historic return to Southeast Asia comes to an end for 52 NE Wisconsin Vietnam war veterans, many of them are reflecting on their chance to stand in the same spot where they dodged enemy fire, suffered their own emotional and physical wounds, and lost friends they served with.
Randy Barth’s tour brought him to Vietnam in 1968. He spent a lot of time in the jungles and backcountry facing severe injury or death on a daily basis.
“Really great….just can’t believe how much it’s changed.”
In fact, there’s an anniversary coming up.
“MARCH 18th, 1968, in a little village called Dai Do. Roughly 3 miles east of here.”
That’s where the Green Bay Marine was wounded in a firefight. He was trying to take the rifle from a buddy who’d been hit.
“When I reached out that’s when I got hit. I thought I was dying….that’s the God’s truth, I thought I was dying.”
To stand on the same ground, visualize his friends, and think about how fortunate he was to come home alive, is something he’s even more grateful for because of this Old Glory Honor Flight. And sharing it with the veterans on this trip makes it more special.
“I like thinking about the war….the camaraderie of the guys that you knew. Do I make a habit out of it? No.
Follow the stories, interviews, pictures, and videos of this Old Glory Honor Flight over the next few weeks by the checking out the ‘Return To Vietnam’ hub at wtaq.co.
The veterans return to Menasha High School from their Vietnam trip Saturday, March 9th. The public is invited to their welcome home celebration, with the doors opening at 5 pm.
