http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/vietnamvets/ en-us Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:43:41 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2400121/posts Miss. Survivor Of Vietnam's Hanoi Hilton Dies At 82 Pitchford Survived 7 Years In Prison Camp UPDATED: 3:48 pm CST December 3, 2009 JACKSON, Miss. -- Retired Air Force Col. Jack Pitchford, a fighter pilot from Mississippi who survived seven years in the Vietnamese prison camp known as the Hanoi Hilton, has died. He was 82. The Natchez, Miss., native was shot down in 1965 and taken to the Hoa Lo prison, a hellish place where Americans, including famous veterans like U.S. Sen. John McCain, were tortured. Pitchford was released in 1973. His brother said Pitchford died Wednesday after battling... WAPT News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2400121/posts#comment Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:43:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2385165/posts WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2009 – Generations of American servicemembers braved and survived the din, destruction and uncertainty of war to return home to enjoy the freedoms they helped to preserve for their fellow citizens. Retired Navy Rear Adm. Robert H. Shumaker is a famous U.S. military veteran who coined the term “Hanoi Hilton” when he was a prisoner of war from 1965 to 1973 in North Vietnam. Any person –- civilian or military –- who thinks they may have emotional problems should seek professional help, he said. DoD photo by Gerry J. Gilmore  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Yet,... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2385165/posts#comment Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:54:10 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-vetscor/2382690/posts VAIL — A Vail man faces first-degree murder charges after he allegedly shot and killed a man outside a Vail bar over the weekend, Eagle County District Attorney Mark Hurlbert said today in a court hearing. Richard "Rossi" Moreau, 63, is being held without bond in the Eagle County Jail. He is expected to be formally charged in a Dec. 1 hearing, Hurlbert said. His attorney, Reed Owens, said Moreau has met with jail doctors. Owens said he wants to make sure Moreau can get the medication he takes for post-traumatic stress disorder while he is jailed. "We may have... Denver Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-vetscor/2382690/posts#comment Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:07:03 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2348897/posts VALLEY FALLS -- The young man was given three choices: get turned over to the police, go one-on-one in a fight with a seasoned war veteran, or be duct-taped to a flagpole for six hours with a sign around his neck identifying his alleged crime: flag burning. It was the third option that would still have the small town buzzing a week after a 21-year-old was hunted down and forced to endure a public humiliation with its roots dating to the Middle Ages. Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1938 were incensed enough to tie up the man... timesunion.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2348897/posts#comment Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:12:55 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2343568/posts To Set The Record Straight, first pubished in 2008, is much more than a history of the 2004 presidential race, and the effects the Swiftboat veterans had on that campaign. TSTRS uses the Swiftboat veterans' story to focus upon the role the mainstream media has played in shaping American public opinion over the past forty years, from the Vietnam War until the recent past. When Senator Kerry decided to make his military record a central part of his campaign, the Swiftboat veterans who knew him the best were angered and sickened. They had had enough, and they decided literally “to... Matthew Bracken http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2343568/posts#comment Sat, 19 Sep 2009 13:26:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2321763/posts COLUMBUS, Ga. - Speaking in a soft, sometimes labored voice, the only U.S. Army officer convicted in the 1968 slayings of Vietnamese civilians at My Lai made an extraordinary public apology while speaking to a small group near the military base where he was court-martialed MSNBC.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2321763/posts#comment Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:47:30 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2321647/posts WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2009 – Retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey -- a Vietnam veteran, film actor and TV host -- shared observations about modern military technology and his visits with American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq during a “DoDLive” bloggers roundtable today. “They’re just as ready to eat their own guts out today as they ever were back in my time,” he said. “The only difference is we’ve got better equipment, better gear, better toys, and I spend as much time as I can with them.” Ermey said he’s surprised by the enduring popularity of his 1987... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2321647/posts#comment Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:30:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2317682/posts Tears filled the eyes of some Vietnam veterans who were warmly greeted with cheers from their family and friends Sunday in an re-enactment of their original return from the war, when they were often met with angry demonstrators and harsh headlines. The ceremony was a first for the 101st Airborne Division and the Army, said Maj. Patrick Seiber, an Army spokesman based at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. "Our hope is that other units and other posts will follow our lead in having this type of ceremony," he said... Associated Press http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2317682/posts#comment Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:58:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2299616/posts CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ EAST, Iraq, July 23, 2009 – Army Sgt. 1st Class Hershel L. Mayfield is a Vietnam veteran with 39 years of service. But when he re-enlisted here earlier this month, his mind was on the future and the young people he serves with. Army Sgt. 1st Class Hershel Mayfield, right, receives his re-enlistment certificate from Army Capt. Irvin Morris at Contingency Operating Site Marez East, Iraq, July 7, 2009. Mayfield has served 39 years in the Army, including 37 with the 158th Maintenance Company of the Alabama Army National Guard. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt.... Face of Defence http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2299616/posts#comment Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:21:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2291444/posts HOUSTON — Charles Bass had told the story about how he survived a deadly snakebite in Vietnam so many times it seemed natural to tell it again, this time in front of a TV camera on the Fourth of July. He pointed at scars on his hand and the crook of his elbow, explaining how he'd stuck a hollow bamboo in the vein to stop the venom from reaching his heart. The camera panned a display case full of his medals at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum on Southmore Boulevard. A placard explained that Sgt. Major Bass had earned the... San Antonio Express News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2291444/posts#comment Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:17:19 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2287843/posts Few Americans have heard of Bien Hoa, but the Vietnam War started there 50 years ago today. The Washington Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2287843/posts#comment Wed, 8 Jul 2009 05:36:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2268219/posts Prominent Vietnam veterans and their families are appalled by an advertisement for a major local mall that shows a woman in front of a wall that strongly resembles the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, with the names of the center’s stores appearing instead of the names of the war dead. Tysons Corner Center reacted quickly to condemnation from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and ordered the immediate removal of 440 of the ads from the Metrorail cars where they have been posted, mall spokeswoman Allison Fischer said Tuesday afternoon. The Tysons ad features a black granite wall engraved with a list of... Washington Examiner http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2268219/posts#comment Tue, 9 Jun 2009 19:54:57 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2261533/posts VIRGINIA BEACH A few years ago at a reunion for Navy sailors and airmen, Clarence Cooper met two men he'd seen just once - Sept. 14, 1968. It was a hot and humid afternoon when North Vietnamese troops ambushed Cooper's supply ship on the river outside Vinh Long. Rockets streamed from the bank, blasted through bulkheads and drove shrapnel into the small crew. The sailors unloaded on the entrenched enemy lines. The deck was covered with smoke and fire and cartridge cases and two rocket-propelled grenades that somehow didn't explode. The fight culminated with a helicopter rescue of a gravely... The Virginian-Pilot http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2261533/posts#comment Sun, 31 May 2009 09:56:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2260257/posts DALLAS - Frank Larison is a disabled veteran with more than 14 years of service, including more than a year of combat duty in Vietnam. The 58-year-old former Marine now finds himself under attack by his Dallas homeowners association for displaying seven decals on his vehicle supporting the Marine Corps. "To me, it's being patriotic, and it shows that I served," the veteran told FOX 4. The board says the decals are advertisements that violate HOA rules, and must be covered or removed. Otherwise, the homeowners association for The Woodlands II on The Creek --- where Larimore has lived for... Channel 26 - Fox News - Houston http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2260257/posts#comment Fri, 29 May 2009 02:19:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2257922/posts Five years ago, a group of Vietnam veterans came forward at the National Press Club in Washington to dispute the "war hero" stories that formed the basis of candidate John Kerry's presidential campaign, and to challenge the claims of rampant US war crimes Kerry had used to launch his political career 33 years earlier -- false accusations, they said, that helped to poison the reputations of a generation of American troops. The Swift Boat Veterans for Truth included Kerry's entire former chain of command from Vietnam and dozens of eyewitnesses to his actions there. Kerry, the veterans said, was not... The American Thinker http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2257922/posts#comment Mon, 25 May 2009 19:23:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2257690/posts Five years ago, a group of Vietnam veterans came forward at the National Press Club in Washington to dispute the "war hero" stories that formed the basis of candidate John Kerry's presidential campaign, and to challenge the claims of rampant US war crimes Kerry had used to launch his political career 33 years earlier -- false accusations, they said, that helped to poison the reputations of a generation of American troops. The Swift Boat Veterans for Truth included Kerry's entire former chain of command from Vietnam and dozens of eyewitnesses to his actions there. Kerry, the veterans said, was not... The American Thinker http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2257690/posts#comment Mon, 25 May 2009 09:07:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2257495/posts WASHINGTON, May 24, 2009 – Pam Crane sat peacefully in a patch of freshly mowed grass along Highway 27 here in the nation’s capital, remembering her husband, his patriotism and his cause. Bikers from all across the country pull into the Pentagon's north parking lot May 24, 2009, to participate in the 22nd Annual Rolling Thunder rally in Washington, D.C., to remind the nation that many American servicemembers who were prisoners of war or missing in action are still unaccounted for. DoD photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. She... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2257495/posts#comment Sun, 24 May 2009 22:52:57 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2257436/posts The Washington Times has partnered with the Internet company Footnote.com on a new project that transforms Washington's Vietnam war memorial wall into an interactive, personal journey on the Web. The Interactive Vietnam Veterans Memorial allows you to search the names on the wall and to drill down into the government's official war records to learn details about each of the 58,000-plus heroes enshrined on the wall. You can also add your own personal stories, remembrances and photographs. (edit) Start by clicking on the "Search the Wall" box, where you can select "Search" or "View." Once you find the name... The Washington Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2257436/posts#comment Sun, 24 May 2009 19:46:30 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2256208/posts The last time Rolling Thunder roared into Washington, the president welcomed the riders in the White House driveway with a smile on his face and heartfelt personal greeting. This year, maybe not. "We initially got a call this year saying the president wasn't going to greet us," said Artie Muller, founder of the group. The Washington Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2256208/posts#comment Fri, 22 May 2009 12:55:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2256052/posts Rolling Thunder not expecting Obama greeting By Jennifer Harper Friday, May 22, 2009 The last time Rolling Thunder roared into Washington, the president welcomed the riders in the White House driveway with a smile on his face and heartfelt personal greeting. This year, maybe not. "We initially got a call this year saying the president wasn't going to greet us," said Artie Muller, founder of the group that is marking its 22nd annual patriotic motorcycle ride through Washington to draw attention to policy issues influencing veterans, active-duty military, prisoners of war and those still missing in action. But a second... The Washington Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2256052/posts#comment Fri, 22 May 2009 03:31:28 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2249877/posts National and local political activist, decorated veteran, POW advocate, businessman and master potter Ted Sampley passed away Tuesday. He was 62. Sampley, who was recovering from heart surgery a week earlier, was experiencing difficulties from the surgery at the Veteran's Hospital in Durham on Tuesday. He died while being rushed to surgery. His sudden passing surprised many in Kinston. "This is a shock to me," said master shipbuilder Alton Stapleford, the architect of the CSS Neuse II, which Sampley helped bring to fruition. "It's really hard to comprehend right now." Sampley served several tours of duty in Vietnam in the... ENC Today http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2249877/posts#comment Wed, 13 May 2009 11:00:25 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2249989/posts On March 25, 1969, the Marines of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, moved through a thick jungle in enemy territory less than a klick from the Laotian border. Their mission was to locate, engage and destroy any enemy position near the company's area of operation. But not long into the patrol, the Leathernecks were soon pinned down by intense enemy fire from a North Vietnamese army position. At the direction of the company commander, the artillery officer called in air support and soon Marine jets dropped napalm and high explosives on the enemy. "We could feel the heat from... Military.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2249989/posts#comment Wed, 13 May 2009 14:29:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2243420/posts FEDERAL COURT — War hero, activist, former high-ranking Pentagon official – Wade Sanders has led a life full of peril and achievement, of great highs and deep lows. Just a few years ago, Sanders stood onstage at the Democratic National Convention as his fellow veteran, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., accepted his party's presidential nomination. That was a high point. Tomorrow afternoon in federal court in San Diego likely will be a low point for him. Sanders, 69, is scheduled to be sentenced after pleading guilty in December to possession of child pornography. He could face as much as 10 years... San Diego Union - Tribune http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2243420/posts#comment Mon, 4 May 2009 00:11:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2238142/posts In 1971, the U.S. Air Force offered a checkout in the McDonnell F-4 to Republic F-105 drivers who had completed a 100-mission combat tour and were willing to volunteer for a second tour. I dearly loved the Thud, but with its numbers dwindling due to combat losses, its future was bleak.I checked out in the F-4 at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida and in June arrived at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand. The usual mission of the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron was two-ship bombing flights under forward air control in Laos and an occasional reconnaissance escort... Air & Space Smithsonian http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2238142/posts#comment Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:10:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2234367/posts Kerry draws on '71 Vietnam testimony in asking current vets to speak @ 11:43 am by Michael O'Brien Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) is drawing on his own background as a Vietnam War protester in inviting veterans of the war in Afghanistan to testify in front of the committee this week. "One of the lessons that I learned a long time ago and lived out here was that it's important to listen to the troops, it's important to listen to the folks who are implementing these policies and putting their lives at risk," Kerry told National Public... The Hill http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2234367/posts#comment Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:01:44 GMT