Kenton ...... A lot of what you said is FAIRLY accurate, as I recall.
For the early part of the '60s, see "American Graffiti". For the latter part, see "Full Metal Jacket". That was the '60s.
I graduated H.S. in 1964, grew up in Southern California and totally lived the rise of surfing, woodies, the Beach Boys Easter week at Balboa AND at Palm Springs .... the works!
I remember most of the '60s very fondly, they were great times. I am, however, deeply affected by Vietnam. My mom told me that the son she sent there never returned. She says that to this day. While that did change me, I'm proud as hell of my service and wouldn't change going.
Please excuse all the pics, I just learned how to post them recently AND I just discovered and am joining the Swift Boat Sailors Assoc. San Diego reunion in May also ...... I can't wait!
Nam Vet
Do you remember the freedom we felt before the appearance of Aids? That changed the landscape quite a bit. It used to be 'eight to eighty, blind, crippled, or crazy'. Then we had to be a little more selective.
I was in the Nav from '66 to '70, but I was a tin can sailor, which was just a tad bit safer than "the boats", as you know. Here's a swift boat salute from one old squid to another!