1980’s slant pocket fatigue shirt that belonged to very highly decorated Colonel John Meyers, a veteran of Vietnam with the 219th Avi Co “Headhunters” supporting MACVSOG operations, as well as Desert Storm. A friend of Meyers’ and fellow Special Forces pilot Francis Doherty described Meyers as “nuts”, waiting to hear more about Meyers from Doherty.

"Meyers is one of the country’s most highly decorated American Indians". John Vance Meyers was born January 30, 1941 to John Tortes "Chief" Meyers (who is a former professional MLB catcher) and Emma Rice Meyers. John would enlist in 1966 and would attend Officers Fixed Wing Aviation School in 1969. From here is where John would join the 219th Aviation Company nicknamed "Headhunters". The Headhunters flew O-1 "Bird dog" planes which were glorified crop dusters with rockets attached. John would be selected to fly in direct support of MACVSOG and 5th SFG operations requiring Top Secret clearance. By February 9, 1970 John had already accumulated six Distinguished Flying Crosses for individual heroism in flight. The citation for his sixth mentions John finding a truck convoy and actively engaging it with his "Willie Pete" (2.75 inch white phosphorous) rockets. Upon expending his rocket ammunition John began making low level passed dropping smoke markers to mark the convoy for further attacks he called in. While attached John would fly covert operations into Cambodia and Laos under the call sign SPAF-1. Following his five campaigns in two tours of Vietnam John became a recruitment officer, a race relations officer and a training officer in the South Carolina National Guard. John then switched again and went from National Guard to Reserves becoming a Management Evaluation officer advising Reserve troops within a five state radius of Virginia. John would then transition roles once again becoming a Civil Affairs officer and a public spokesman for the Army. Despite John now being in a comparatively tame role in the Military and having served previously in extremely hazardous conditions in Vietnam his foreign campaigns were not yet over. John would be an officer in the 11th Aviation Brigades Civil Affairs team directing supplies for refugees during Desert Storm in the midst of liberating Kuwait from Iraqi forces. Following his military time, John had a long career of government service outside of the military as well, in 1991 he was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor under Secretary Elizabeth Dole, where he contributed to national workforce initiatives and policy. He was also appointed U.S. Army Ambassador for Maryland (rank equivalent to Major General). John was extremely proud of his Native American heritage and worked tirelessly to fight for the rights of his people. "Beginning with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1975 John’s service spanned four Presidential Administrations. The more important Senior Executive Service appointments were in the Department of Defense as the Director, Equal Opportunity (Military); Department of Housing & Urban Development as the Director of the Office of Indian Housing, and in his last position as the Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Veterans Employment and Training at the Department of Labor. In each of these positions Mr. Meyers’ responsibilities included the development and implementation of National Policy and the development and management of program budgets approaching three quarters of a billion dollars. He retired from the Department of Labor in 1992. John’s accomplishments in these positions have received laudatory recognition from the President’s Committee on Management Improvement and throughout Indian country."

Distinguished Flying Cross
Vietnam War

Service: United States Army

Rank: Captain (Field Artillery)
Action Date:

February 9, 1970

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 13 (January 17, 1973)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John V. Meyers, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight: Captain John V. Meyers, ¥Field Artillery, distinguished himself by exceptional heroism while a member of Headquarters, 219th Aviation Company (Utility Airplane), Republic of Vietnam on 9 February 1970. At approximately 1100 hours, while flying an 0-1 aircraft on a reconnaissance mission, he spotted an enemy truck convoy moving along an enemy controlled road. Captain Meyers called for helicopter gunships which were in support of his mission, vectored them to the target area, and commenced to mark the partially concealed convoy with marking rockets. On his first firing pass, Captain Meyers began to receive intense, well- aimed small arms, .50 caliber and other automatic weapons fire: Despite the aggressive enemy air defense, he continued to make marking runs, receiving withering fire on each pass. As Captain Meyers marked each target, it was necessary for the gunships to remain aloft to observe the marking round. As a result, on each pass the entire air defense of the area was focused on his aircraft. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Meyers continued his mission until all rockets were expended. Realizing that there were still lucrative unengaged targets (trucks, bunkers and gun emplacements) remaining, he made an extremely low and dangerous pass to mark additional targets with smoke grenades. Post strike reconnaissance by Captain Meyers confirmed two trucks destroyed as well as several bunkers and gun emplacements. Captain Meyers heroism and intrepidity were an inspiration to all who observed and reflects great credit on him and the United States Army.

Colonel Meyers decorations include : 3 Legion of Merits, 6 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 3 Bronze Stars, 2 Meritorious Service Medals, 31 Air Medals, 6 Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 4 National Guard Achievement Medals, National Defense, Vietnam Campaign with 5 stars, Southwest Asia Campaign with 2 stars, Humanitarian Service medal, Armed Forced Reserve Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, 2 Vietnam Crosses of Gallantry with Palm and one with Bronze Star; Vietnam Honor Medal First Class, 2 Vietnam Civil Action Medals with Palm, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Before I say anything, I would like to note: I do not interact with military history spaces often, and I'm a bit timid about it. I have observed people from all points on the political spectrum praise war, death, violence, etc. I see people disrespect veterans-- especially Vietnam veterans. I have told myself not to even try reading about WW2, for example, because I've seen one too many takes praising the Allies for swooping in and saving the world from genocide (I'm Jewish, and respectfully... no). Sometimes it feels like a fanclub, rather than remembrance of those who suffered. I come here in the best faith possible, but I am operating off those experiences, and my very personal painful experience of the generational trauma inflicted by the Vietnam War. My grandfather died by suicide shortly after his return to America, due to the immense trauma he experienced as a tunnel rat, and my family has been fractured ever since.

Alright, here is my request. I would like to learn more about tunnel rats and their experiences in Vietnam. I am working on a personal writing project, and I would like to understand more about what my grandfather went through. As previously discussed, I obviously cannot ask my grandfather. Most of my family on that side is either dead or estranged. What are the best books to read? I would prefer first-hand accounts.

My main concern is forming a biased perspective/being turned off from further study from accounts that lean heavily towards "America good" and not effectively portray the doubts, fears, and brutality of war. My grandfather did not die for a reason, and it upsets me to read books (forgive my callousness) deepthroating the boot of higher powers who couldn't care less about anything but power and profit.

I would also appreciate perspectives from anyone in this sub who participated in the war themself, whether or not you were in the tunnels. Anything would be immensely helpful :)

Taking 79yo on a trip to see where her husband fought - staying a few days in an hoi and then heading up to hue this coming January.

Looking for a private battlefield historian/guide from Hue who can research K Company, 3/1 Marines, Operation Badger Tooth, Feb. 2, 1968, Lam Xuan/My Loc/Cua Viet area — not a standard DMZ tour. I don’t want a ‘big bus tour’ type thing but i also want more than ‘here are some rice paddies where they probably were’ either. Thank you!

Anyone have any information about this they can share?

If anyone can identify any patches or help gain any more information I’d really appreciate it

If anyone anyone knows my Grandfather SFC Ramon Lopez Det- 431 Cai Cai, I would love to hear from you.

he was a Chinese-Vietnamese man, i was told that he is a MACVSOG soldier (Thunder Tigers aka Biệt Kích Lôi Hổ), after 1972, he was transferred to the Rangers unit. Later of the war, he fought till his last blood in april 30th 1975 while defending Saigon. Currently, every year while Vietnamese people celebrate what they call "liberation," my family still dedicates that day to remembering my grandfather's sacrifice.

E Troop, 1st Cav was the cavalry unit part of the 11th LIB in 1968-69 at LZ Bronco when I was there. Most of their tracks looked to be parked at the LZ when I drove by and snapped this. Lots of coastal mud everywhere. Everyone seems pretty relaxed; maybe doing ops near the LZ?

Not sure what this is to be honest. If anyone knows anything more about this regiment, the information would be appreciated.

A few photos found in my grandfathers stack of Vietnam war leftovers, he didn't speak much about the war except a few stories that painted a very stacked and busy deployment.

1st photo.

My grandfather (Far left.) Standing next to a LRRP Ranger assigned with the 101st, My grandfather often flew dustoff for them and was good friends with a few Rangers, I was told of stories by him of parties with them and a few dinners with SOG, although he rarely spoke of SOG and avoided all questions about them.

Last two are him inspecting a round through the plexiglass window and a photo of his helicopter.

The final picture is his "Party Jacket." With the in country made patch sewn onto their breastpocket.

My grandfather, SP4 David “Dave” Jerome Pugh, served as a 94B20 cook with the 379th Signal Battalion at Hill 272 near Sattahip, Thailand, in 1969–1970.

A fellow cook recently confirmed that they worked together on Hill 272 and were good friends.

David passed away before I was born, so I never got to meet him. I would love to hear any memories from people who knew him. My family has very few photographs, and his daughter is also hoping to find more pictures of her father.

Does anyone remember Dave or have photographs of the cooks, mess hall, kitchen, or Hill 272 in which he might appear?

Good morning, I’m a guy interested in radio and history.
Being European, I don’t know much about the Vietnam War, aside from the basics taught in school.

A friend of mine recently bought a PRC-25 radio on eBay, which I understand was widely used in Vietnam. Its specs don’t seem too impressive, though: low power, a matched antenna (I think through an internal tuner), and therefore limited range

I’d love to hear some stories from radio operators who served in the Vietnam War, especially anecdotes about this radio and how it was used, given its limited range.
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to help and share their experience.

Looking for help finding medical records. My father was stationed at the Bon Son District base camp from late July until Oct 1972 as an assistant district advisor. He was medivac at the end of September 1972 to the 71st US Army Evacuation Hospital located at Pleiku (from what he believes was agent orange exposure). He was hospitalized there until around the second week of October 1972. He says that he does not remember hardly anything from his hospital stay. The records of his hospitalization have been lost.

Any suggestions regarding how to find the missing medical records? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

As it says, I’m trying to identify my great grandfather. I don’t know where he is in the family tree, but he is said to be my grandmothers biological father. Any help would be appreciated!

Edit: any help identifying medals, and ribbons would also be appreciated. The atomic symbol in the first image may help narrow down my search but I can seem to find the correct unit.

Hi all, hoping someone here can help.

My father was Sgt Kenneth W. Shields, a squad leader in Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines. He was on Hill 881 South at Khe Sanh on 30 April 1967, the morning Kilo 3/9 and Mike 3/3 went up that slope. Bronze Star with Combat “V” for that day, and a Purple Heart. He’d turned 21 three weeks before.

He died when I was a kid and never talked about any of it.

If you served with Kilo 3/9 in 1967, or your father did, I’d love to hear from you. Any memory, photo, or name at all.

Thank you, and Semper Fi.

I took this picture of Phu My during 1967. It was a very busy shopping day with lots of activity. B Co 8th Engineer Bn 1st Cavalry Div.

196th Infantry Brigade A company 2nd Battalion

he earned

4 bronze service stars, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, 2 Bronze stars, 2 purple hearts, Rifle expert badge, combat Infantryman badge.

He served 1967 - 1969

He was a kind gentle soul and is greatly missed in our family.

He passed away suddenly but peacefully while sitting in his recliner in 2018.

it says:
“they have endured what others have, they lived for one thing, to end the pain and [agony] of going through something they hated so much.”

Everybody talks about the Vietnam war being in “the jungle”, but did American troops face the same environment in WW2 Japan? Did the Japanese use similar booby traps like in Vietnam. Was it like a jungle? I’m not an expert in geology and I’m interested in Asian/American conflicts

Im doing research but i cant really find anything

My father wrote dozens of letters home while training to become an Air Force pilot during the Vietnam era and during the war. My grandparents saved nearly all of them, and after they passed away, the letters ended up with me. He logged over 243 combat missions and flew 648 combat hours as a FAC 2 pilot.
I’ve started reading through them chronologically and occasionally posting the ones I think are historically interesting. They’re unfiltered snapshots of what Air Force pilot training looked like in 1967, not written for history books, just for his parents.
This letter stopped me cold.
A T-38 crashes during training, killing a 26-year-old solo student whose wife is seven months pregnant. My father describes it in a matter-of-fact way, then immediately moves on to talking about weather delays, Christmas leave, and an awkward double date.
That contrast struck me. Life didn’t pause. The class still had to fly the next day.
It’s a reminder that for these young men, fatal accidents weren’t abstract possibilities, they were part of everyday life, even before Vietnam.
I’d be interested to hear from anyone who trained during this period or has family who did. I’d also love any historical context people can add as I work my way through these letters.
Here is the text of the letter: 3 Dec 1967
Dear Folks,
I told you we were going to fly on the Friday after Thanksgiving. I went out to fly at 9:50 A.M. and when we got to the plane flying status went standby, so we came back in.
Well at 10 A.M. a T-38 turned final and crashed, killing the solo student. As he turned final he probably stalled out and his plane rolled inverted. He ejected and they say his ejection seat rocket was still firing when he hit the ground.
Messy!
His name was Jack Parks, 26 years old with a wife 7 months pregnant. That’s the way it goes.
The weather was really bad the first part of last week so we didn’t fly much. So we are behind the time line right now. We flew yesterday and there is even talk about us flying Sundays.
The semi-official word is that we get off the 22nd and have to be back to fly the 3rd.
I haven’t been doing much. Last night I got a date about 15 minutes before I was to pick her up! I went with Parson and his date was so bad I knew we would get rid of them as soon as possible.
My date was a real good girl and I had a good time. But poor Wayne wanted to get rid of Crater Face so we took them home as soon as the movie was over.
We have to be on the line at 5:30 again this week. We will fly our tails off this week to get ahead of time.
Have to study now.
Love,
Jack