OT: Vietnam in HD

[Raellus]

Anyone else caught any of Vietnam in HD on the History Channel? I've seen a few minutes and the footage was pretty amazing- really clean and crisp. I thought I'd seen a lot of Vietnam War footage but I'm not so sure about that now. I've been DVR'ing them for when I have a chance to sit down and really get into it. Not sure how many "episodes" are in the series but I've taped three (one was two hours long, the other one each).

If you have the means, check it out. I'd like to read what others think of it.

[Webstral]

I haven't seen any of that. I'd love to see more Vietnam material. The Military Channel seems to alternate between WW2 stuff and special forces and operations stuff.

[Legbreaker]

Stumbled across this yesterday, and although I consider myself well read on the subject (and served with a few who where there at the time), couldn't help but fight back a tear or two as I watched.
I imagine a few of those who served in Vietnam (and other conflicts) will be able to appreciate just how deeply in the shit they truly were, and how much of a massive effort it was for them to have come out the other side with (relatively) so few casualties.
https://youtu.be/8gUSq7pxux4

[LT. Ox]

Originally Posted by Legbreaker

Stumbled across this yesterday, and although I consider myself well read on the subject (and served with a few who where there at the time), couldn't help but fight back a tear or two as I watched.
I imagine a few of those who served in Vietnam (and other conflicts) will be able to appreciate just how deeply in the shit they truly were, and how much of a massive effort it was for them to have come out the other side with (relatively) so few casualties.
https://youtu.be/8gUSq7pxux4

don't watch it do not plan to just 'cause

[Legbreaker]

Originally Posted by LT. Ox

...just 'cause

Completely understand why you and other Vietnam vets would feel that way. I do encourage others though to watch it and get a feel for just how bad shit can get.
The radio messages in the doco were recreated using the original transcripts. Artillery was firing constantly for several hours at 25% greater than the maximum rate (8 rounds per minute for these particular guns).
Although it was only a company on the ground, virtually everyone in the Australian task force was involved - even the cooks and clerks were called on to help keep the artillery supplied with ammo (although that isn't mentioned in the video).

[LT. Ox]

Originally Posted by Legbreaker

Completely understand why you and other Vietnam vets would feel that way. I do encourage others though to watch it and get a feel for just how bad shit can get.
The radio messages in the doco were recreated using the original transcripts. Artillery was firing constantly for several hours at 25% greater than the maximum rate (8 rounds per minute for these particular guns).
Although it was only a company on the ground, virtually everyone in the Australian task force was involved - even the cooks and clerks were called on to help keep the artillery supplied with ammo (although that isn't mentioned in the video).

Still have dreams about times there. Laugh which have good points and bad points. good;
I am 19 years old an have not yet started ta smoke. I can run a mile in my gear ( not loaded) in under 4 1/2 min. I hit damn near every thing I point my weapon at. I do not wear glasses and I have all me teeth. Hmmmm that is just about ALL the good stuff, oh yeah I like spam smile.

Bad;
Every damn thing else!
On Oct first it will be 50 years since I enlisted to be a airborne radio operator. the recruiter said
" hey don't worry with your test scores and background yell never see a radio, ye'll be in Benning in OCS right away."
Well I got to OCS but FT Sill arty not Benning. I did get every school that I asked for to use up the time I needed to get to 19 and old enough for the Butter bar.
Oh I got my Combat infantry badge 'cause I ended up an FO with the First the first time around another interesting fact I got in country on Feb 1st 1968. look up why that is important.
Oh well lots of stories and not a lot of interest in stuff 50 years ago but thanks for the post and to let me get off a bit of my memories.
Oh one other thing, lots of folks are down on the Vets admin. I got out in 1970 and was service connected disabled. 9 hearing, back and shoulder and PTSD)
they have taken GOOD care of me for the next 46 years anything and everything I have needed right down to my shoes. My latest doc just got back from Afgan and is a full Commander in the Navy Reserve. I asked him why he worked at the VA and he said
" I belive in it"
Out

[Targan]

Originally Posted by Legbreaker

Stumbled across this yesterday, and although I consider myself well read on the subject (and served with a few who where there at the time), couldn't help but fight back a tear or two as I watched.
I imagine a few of those who served in Vietnam (and other conflicts) will be able to appreciate just how deeply in the shit they truly were, and how much of a massive effort it was for them to have come out the other side with (relatively) so few casualties.
https://youtu.be/8gUSq7pxux4

Wow, you hadn't seen that documentary before, Leg? I could've sworn I talked about it in another thread. I think it's a terrific documentary. Being a Kiwi, I was particularly moved by the interviews with the late Major Morrie Stanley, talking about he and his radio operator Willie Walker's efforts during the battle. I think their contribution to the success of the Aussies is often overlooked.

[Targan]

Major Morrie Stanley receiving an Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3znt... - Vietnam War