Hard to believe that it has been 41 years since my “expedition” into Southeast Asia. People and experiences never to be forgotten. Some images as fresh in my mind as yesterday… some locked away forever.

My unit was the 199th Infantry Brigade. It was one of the smallest Light Infantry units to serve in Vietnam. About 25,000 men served with the unit from June 1, 1966 to Oct. 15, 1970. I was with C-4-12 and HC 4/12th during my 11 month tour in Vietnam.

I would not exchange the experiences for anything. However, I hope my son will never have to endure them, nor would I wish them on anyone else’s child. War in defense of our Nation is honorable and necessary, for any other reason it is a travesty.

It has been said that war is “hours of boredom punctuated with moments of sheer terror." The boredom was a pain in the ass, the terror was a rush and is a recurring nighttime visitor. The price of Vietnam in human lives and suffering was too staggering to have been in vain. However, we don't seem to have learned much from the experience.

VN Vets remember to stay informed of the diseases identified as caused by Agent Orange. III Corps, the AO of the 4/12th, was one of the heaviest sprayed areas in Vietnam. VA compensation and treatment was earned and should be applied for by all Vietnam veterans. See Agent Orange links in the Links Section below.

To all Vietnam Veterans -

“Welcome Home”

199th C 4/12th

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