SwiftVets.com

[stupson]

Sent this to the editor of the local newspaper...the Sun Journal.

Mr. Editor,
For your consideration.

I am no war hero.

But, like many others, I did a year serving in Vietnam with the United States Army. I returned home without serious injury, a few medals, deepest respect for my fellow soldiers and a visceral hatred of Jane Fonda and her ilk.

I was “in country” when John Kerry publicly called us murderers and worse. I took it personally then and still do to this day. With the rank of Captain, I was part of the Chain of Command that was supposed to have known of and encouraged these atrocities. There were 1000 soldiers in my Battalion. During my year there, not one of them killed, tortured or raped any civilians. None committed any atrocity. Not even a whispered rumor of any. 20 more years of Active Duty with many other Vietnam Vets produced the same number of tales of atrocities---none!

Unlike Kerry, I didn’t nominate myself for any awards. The very thought of an Officer doing that is vile and cheap.

Unlike Kerry, I did my full 12-month tour. I did not desert my buddies in a combat zone, compelling some other guy to take my now vacant place.

Unlike Kerry, I have the keenest sense of honor for the few modest medals I was honestly awarded in Vietnam. The idea they should insolently be thrown over a fence in protest is deeply repugnant. What kind of person can show such contempt for these venerable medals and ribbons only to later display them on his “I Love Me Wall” in the Capitol?

Unlike Kerry, 80 percent of the other Officers in my unit did not think I was untrustworthy and a “loose cannon.” My peers and superiors did not consider me unfit for higher office. Having read an excerpt of Kerry’s performance report for his Vietnam service, it is good for him that he got off Active Duty when he did. I can’t say for the Navy, but a report like that in the Army and you would be dumped out on your ear as unfit for military service.

Back home, I absolutely lacked the “higher social and moral conscience” needed to first lie about and then protest against my fellow soldiers still there in Vietnam. Then again, it isn’t my photograph being honored as a hero in the Vietnamese Communist War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. That shame belongs only to John Kerry.

By his standards, I must have been a terrible soldier.

Stu Upson
New Bern

[Me#1You#10]

Great letter Stu, and welcome to the Swiftvet forum.

Let us know if it makes it into the paper

[War Dog]

Stu, great letter. I cleaned it up a bit to make it easier to read.

Welcome Aboard!

Woof!
_________________
"When people are in trouble, they call the cops.

When cops need help, they call the K-9 unit."

[redhawk34]

Stu, not a hero? Few were, as it wasn't really the point. Duty was.
The men under your command were fortunate.
Redhawk

[mtboone]

Bravo Zulu for a great letter.

[MikeWinn]

BZ from the Gunner, too, Stu. The hell you ain't a hero.
_________________
LOCK & LOAD!


GunnerMike
Spectre Gunner and 141 FE
Dedicated to Rico. KIA March 14, 1971.
Love ya man.

[War Dog]

Stu, I agree with Mike. You are a Hero!

FRIGGIN WAR WOOF!
_________________
"When people are in trouble, they call the cops.

When cops need help, they call the K-9 unit."

[MarineBrat]

Very nice letter! Thanks! You're certainly a hero in any town that I'd care to live in.

MarineBrat

EDIT:
Sorry, posted in wrong group.

[Hueygunner]

I watched young men risk their lives every day because they loved America. Some of them didn't make it back here. Some of them didn't get the chance to marry a wife and have a family.

Every young guy who got on a plane headed to Vietnam wondered if he'd make it back. Just getting on the plane was a heroic act.

They didn't get a medal for their bravery.

[LewWaters]

Real heroes don't declare themselves heroic. In fact, most don't see themselves as heroic at all, just lucky.

As far as I'm concerned, I didn't serve with cowards, only heroes.
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Clark County Conservative

[Spiess]

Outstanding.