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Corpsmen Never Forget

Every time I hear news on the television that one of our servicemen was killed overseas it brings to mind my time when I served as a corpsman with 2nd Bn 5th Marines in 66 and 67 in Vietnam. Our Battalion had lots of Marines killed and wounded and I personally was involved with providing medical care to many of them either in Hotel Company or while at the Bn Aid Station. The Marines depended on their corpsmen to perform their duty when the time came. Far too often, many of the wounded had horrific wounds from mines or other high intensity explosions and our best was not good enough to save their lives.

Heroic acts during these times left the corpsman to ponder their own mortality when nothing worked. We all knew things would happen that we could not control and all we tried to do was save a good buddy’s life. We knew most of the Marines we took care of as we lived among them for months and considered them our brothers and at times cared more for them than our own family members. Combat does that to people.

Most of the corpsmen serving with grunt units were young, usually 19-22 years of age and some older. Our medical training was adequate at the time but not enough when things got really sour. We were expected to provide emergency medical care that a trauma trained surgeon would be hard pressed to perform under the circumstances. When our best failed and we lost a Marine, we were the first to know it, many hours before their family would receive word. I remember thinking I let my Marines down when I was unable to save a friend. It haunted me then, it haunts me now and even more on the day when they died. It never fades for memories last forever and I remember every wounded and dead Marine I took care of. I am sure many others out there feel the same way. Marine corpsmen never forget and I just wanted to express my thoughts because Memorial Day is almost here.

Roger Ware
2/5, 66-67, Vietnam

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Comments

Wayne - April 16, 2020

I am a retired Marine. We live in SATX. Today driving home I was behind a car, bumper sticker was gold with red lettering, had a Eagle, Globe and Ankhor. Lettering stated, “I served in the Fleet Marine Force as a Corpsman”. License plate had a Navy Cross and the rear door had a Purple Heart Scociety medallin. God bless our Navy Corpsmen.

RAYMOND FUSTON - April 16, 2020

SIMPER FI to all

Sgt Phil “Akabu” Coffman - April 16, 2020

Roger, Every Marine that I know considers every one of you Corpsmen to be his or her “brother”. And most of us also consider them Marines, rather than Navy!

Rick Bohan - April 16, 2020

Roger I knew it was you as soon as I started reading the story. I don’t know why I just knew. I hope everyone in Elkins is doing good. Your old league buddy.

Bill Golden Sgt. USMC Vietnam 69-70 - April 16, 2020

Doc, you may have lost some Marines but I bet you saved a hell of a lot more, and trust me we won’t forget the Corpsman that went into harms way with us. We all were very young and should not have done or seen the things that we did, I personally think the Corpsman were some of the bravest “Naval” Marines with the Corps. Semper Fi Doc and God Bless You and all of the Corpsman, Medics, Doctors, Nurses and Dust Off crews.

Robert H Bliss - April 16, 2020

Hey Doc, You guys were the braves men I ever met. A Marine’s respect and connection for those who “RAN” to our aid can never be lessen in memory or years. I served with Golf Co., 2nd. Bn. 5th. Marines out of An Hoa. I witness a Corpsman with serve wounds save the lives of the squad he was with (I still get tears in my eyes). We were told that he received the Navy Cross for his actions but the truth is so many of you did the same thing every firefight without anyone knowing—-except the Grunts with you. And we have not and will not forget you!! Semper Fi my friend, my brother

Gary Ross - April 16, 2020

One of previous posts mentioned “Calamine lotion” being used for the “jungle rot” that some of us suffered with – well our Doc’s didn’t use calamine, instead they used Crest toothpaste and only Crest!! Not sure where they learned that “by the seat of your pants” trick but damn if it didn’t work and fast too. Even my follow grunts that suffered w/the “rot” between their toes seemed to heal up fast!! Talk about new found respect for our Doc’s, anyone w/the “rot” sure changed their tune quickly. Have no idea what was in Crest that worked so fast & with good results. Any of you other Doc’s use toothpaste or ever heard of it? G. Ross, F/2/26 Khe Sanh and lots of other fun filled spots in SE Asia.

Paul Chacho Jr. SGT. E5 66to69. - April 16, 2020

Corpsman are our brothers. It would not be the Marine Corps without you. Thank You. Semper Fi. Paul. RVN 68to69.

Herbert L. Shaw MSgt USMC Ret. - April 16, 2020

You and all the “Docs” among us were our Angels of Mercy, as much a Marine as a Corpsman. You never et us down, some times God has other plans. Semper Fi Doc!

Dave Lenihan - April 16, 2020

Doc, we can never thank you enough. Was a Plt. and Co, CO with 1/5. My corpsmen were outstanding. To this day we will walk through hell for them. They are, and will always be Marines. Semper Fi.

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