Vietnam War Interview Forum

Re: SGT USMC

Guest

On Thu Jun 25, Gene Stewart wrote


Gene, thank you for your service, suffering and sacrifices for our nation which has been less than supportive for many years.  You did your job in spite of all that was right and wrong about Vietnam.  You are an example of the best that America has to give.  Even though our politics may have been flawed and completely wrong at times, no one can take that away from you.  

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>I was drafted into the service and then joined and selected the US Marine Corps.  I went to boot camp in San Diego and other training in Camp Pendleton as a 0311 infantry.   I was then sent to Viet Nam on the 30th of August.  I arrived into country on the 1st of September 1968.  The airport was taking rounds when we arrived in
>DA Nang.  We seemed to travel half the night before we got to the compound of the 1st Bn, 1st Marines.  That first night into the compound was a very active night and we were hit in full force by the Vietcong.    We were attacked again while I was there at a later date and over 1000 enemy were killed on the parameter and lines.  I was in operation Pipestone Canyon, Operation Meade River and Operation Maui Peak as just a few listed.  I had heat stroke, Malaria smears, and was blown off a tank and received the Purple Heart for broken ear drum.  We humped through rivers, rice patties and jumped out of many helicopters during my tour of 13 months and 8 days.  I had two combat promotions while I was there and I was a tunnel rat, worked with a kit Carson Scout and did not enjoy any of the time that I was there.    It was hot, rainy, dirty, and loud, scared to hell and often wondered why we were there.   We lost many people over there and I lost many friends and comrades there.  I feel that we gave up everything that we had accomplished for fighting over there and it was a waste of time and lives.    I belong to the American Legion post 93 and I am doing a database for the Veterans of Henry County Iowa.   I am a pusher for the POW/MIA’S and believes that we should be doing more for the fellow servicemen and women that are still missing in action.  I will never forget and this country should never forget either. Support your local Veterans.
>Gene Stewart
>SGT. USMC
>Vietnam
>1968/1969
>USMC 1968/1971
>

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