The Truth about Viet Nam Vets (oldie, but bears repeating)

D Magazine/POW Network ^ | June 1998 | B.G. Burkett and Glenna Whitley

[2ndDivisionVet]

Although I served later, I cringe when Vietnam Veterans are besmirched by the press, politicians and others. This article dispels many myths that exist about those who served their country in Southeast Asia. Hope it opens some eyes...

[ozzymandus]

Is this Burkett the same dude who gave dan rather the phony story about President Bush?

[tubebender]

I had a guy do some painting for me a few years ago and his story was...he stepped on a type of land mine that goes off when you lift your foot. He said he stood there while they got a Jeep and tied a shock cord around him and to the Jeep then snatched him off the mine with only minor injury. Would this have been possible? I always thought he was a fake vet...

[tubebender]

That was my thought...Bill Burkett wasn't it?

[2ndDivisionVet]

I don't think they are the same person at all, but I will double-check...

[defconw]

It's not the same guy. I am set to marry a real Vietnam vet in April. He never tells me much, which means he really was there. Just like my uncles in Korea and WWII. If they tell you about it in any detail, they were not really there.

[2ndDivisionVet]

NOT AT ALL THE SAME GUY! See this article in NewsMax:
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2004/4/4/234750.shtml

[ozzymandus]

Good! I hate phony vets with a passion. I have heard so many obviously made-up "war stories" from so many drunken loudmouths I just have to get up and walk out of the room when these liars start their bullshit. I can't believe how many losers claim to have been Navy SEALS.

I was just worried this might be the same RAT nutjob that gave rather the counterfeit "documents". As I recall, 60 Minutes tried to interview that guy, but he had some sort of psychotic episode during the interview. Of course, that didn't stop CBS from running with the phony story.

[American in Israel]

I highly doubt that he was yanked away faster than 3000 foot per second, the speed of a shock wave and schrapnel from the explosion. If military type explosives were in the mine, it would have been around 5000 fps.

Cute idea and story but absolutely BS.

[Vinny]

That was my experience when I was talking to a Korean War veteran (he is a customer who regularly buys produce from me at my produce stand). He was talking to me how he was going to march in a parade for veterans and I asked him how it was over there in Korea during the war (I didn't know any better). He choked up and teared up(he was embarrassed)and told me he had to go. I'll never do that again.

My Dad told me that his brother had the job of stacking the dead bodies of soldiers during WWII. He wouldn't talk about anything either.

[DakotaRed]

No, different person. This one is the author of the book Stolen Valor, an excellent read.

Rathers Burkett was a Bill Burkett, soured former Commander in the Guard.

B.G. Burkett actually served in Viet Nam as a junior officer.

[defconw]

My man will tell me when he was there and things like jumping out of a helicopter and being dirty and thats about it. I get very mundane details. He, I don't think wants to remember the bad stuff. He earned a Combat Infantry Badge and that and the 8 years in the Colorado Guard are all he says about it. He was Air Cav. A Sergent and that's the extent of it. He gets real quiet if I push for more information.

[oyez]

I knew a guy that was an instructor at the local university who was Nam vet. In one conversation we had, I asked him want he did in The Nam. His reply was, "Graves registration." I didn't say a word more.

[Brad from Tennessee]

B.G. "Jug" Burkett is the co-author of "Stolen Valor--How the Vietnam Generation Was Robbed of its Heroes and History." This thoroughly researched book exposes all the negative myths perpetuated by Hollywood and the news media about the Vietnam Veteran. It exposes phony heroes in high and low places. It investigates the forces that shaped the publics perception of Vietnam Veterans as alcoholic, dope-addled, dysfunctional losers. But provides solid statistics proving that most of us are well adjusted and productive citizens. He demolishes myths about African-Americans serving in disproportionate numbers (the percentage that served matched their percentage of the US population) and he demolishes the myth that Vietnam servicemen and women did not serve with the same honor and distinction as their parents and grandparents. Statistically, Vietnam era personnel committed far fewer offenses, deserted and surrendered less than US personnel in previous wars. It's a great book and Burkett is a great American.

[Vinny]

"He gets real quiet if I push for more information."

That I guess is what happens to people who have seen combat, it's not something you talk about, brag about, or discuss.

[Vinny]

Good for you. My Dad warned me not to bring up what his brother did in WWII. I didn't.

[defconw]

Well I guess most especially with a woman you love. He wants to spare me the gory details. He's my hero anyway. He went, that's what counts.

[Vinny]

Amen. ;)

[leadpenny]

If they tell you about it in any detail, they were not really there.

You can make a blanket statement like that but it would be wrong. I served two tours in Vietnam as an Army helicopter pilot and I'll tell you anything I know and can remember. Granted, I've surely suppressed many details about some of the more thrilling moments, but it was such a big part of my life that I don't want to 'not talk about it'.

Please don't take this in a personal way but your fiance may just not want to talk to you about it. He may talk to other Vietnam Vets.

May you and your guy have an eternity together.

[defconw]

Thanks, that is my point. What he talks about with his buddies is a lot different then bragging about heroics, right?

He doesn't want me to know. He protects me from the horrors and inadvertently the thrills, if you will.

My uncle, was regular Army did three tours. Those who have done it, have no need to brag. I am aware that about three times as many guys that served, claimed to have served. Prove it or shut up is my point to them.