Vietnam War Interview Forum

Patrick McAleavey

That's an interesting question! I can answer for myself only since every person's reaction to war is different. I would say that I do not miss the war, at all. I lost too many friends to think that the experience was enjoyable. However, there are some things I do miss.

I miss the experience of being 19 again. I miss being so naive that I was convinced that nothing bad could ever happen to me. I guess I miss the feeling of being young.

I miss the sense of adventure and wonder of being in a different land and a different culture. I saw and did things that I will never experience again.

I miss the "adrenalin high" of the combat experience. You are never more alive than when someone is trying to kill you.

I miss my comrades. We could get on each others nerves, we could argue about the stupidest stuff, we could be childish and petty, we could fight like cats and dogs. But when the shooting started I knew my back was covered and all that silly stuff didn't matter. What mattered was getting through the fire and coming out the other side unscathed. I will never know people like this again!

If I hadn't gone through what I experienced in Vietnam I would not be the person I am today...and I would miss that. And, if I were 19 again, I would be happy to repeat the experience.

I hope this helps.

Pat McAleavey

Email: patmcaleavey@hotmail.com



On Thu Jul 30, Alicia wrote
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>I am writing a paper responding on the novel "The Things They Carried" and the Vietnam War (which for me has always been an intriguing subject).

>My question is what is there in a horrible situation such as the Vietnam War that could later make soldiers miss it?

>From what I know, I couldn't imagine anyone missing war, but im sure my teacher gave us this question for a reason. I am just having trouble thinking from another point of view.

>Can anyone with firsthand experience in the war help?