I have been trying to understand Hanoi John’s continual exaggeration of his experience during four months incountry in Viet Nam. He has been nailed time and again with the truth about what actually happened. When this happens he back peddles just a little and changes those parts of the story that have been proven false. Parts that can not be changed without affecting his hero status are dismissed by attacking his critics as Republican Party lying attack dogs.
The "Walter Mitty Syndrome" is a recognized clinical condition involving compulsive fantasizing - usually by a rather mild-mannered, plebeian character seeking to inject excitement and a sense of self-importance into his otherwise humdrum, boring, uneventful, unsuccessful existence/reality.
I have observed Hanoi John’s pathological behavior in others, including some actual Viet Nam Vets - those who had rear area jobs (mail, supply, company clerks, etc.) who were in relatively safe areas like Cam Rahn Bay and Da Nang and never had any combat experience. They seemed to feel that what they did wasn’t up to the standards expected so they needed to exaggerate their experience.
I meet others with outrageous tales who were not only not combat veterans but had never even been in the military - these were members of the Viet Nam Veterans Against the War who I had encountered in 1970-1972. This bunch all had a few thing in common.
1. They all told stories of being “forced” to commit outrageous atrocities.
2. They all out Ramboed Sgt York and Audi Murphy.
3. They all used their now popular “victim” status to get women and excuse antisocial behavior.
His words are SEARED, SEARED into my mind!