July 10, 2017 Grunt.com Admin

Regrets

I have told myself to visit the WALL many times – never went – was supposed to go with Army friend who we bantered with each other for over 30 years – families were friends – kids played together too! Well, my buddy Jerome – had issues after he came home from Vietnam – had medical issues and demon issues too! He is no longer with us and I still intend to visit wall eventually- to see others as well who never made it back either. May their souls rest in eternal peace- AMEN

Filed in: Marine Corps Stories

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Comments

edward libby - April 21, 2020
The biggest lump in my throat and a total numbness in my body . when I viewed the wall . my eye lids are sweating thinking of it today cpl Edward libby 1962 1967

Robert H Bliss - April 21, 2020
That’s 47 years. And I went to pay my respects to my friends a few years ago—it did a lot to help me.

Robert H Bliss - April 21, 2020
It took me 50 years to face my nightmares and, now, I’m glad I did. I can go almost a month or two without being awaken by my wife because I’m fighting that VC in hand to hand combat—again and again. Makes me wonder sometimes who really won that fight. I know you know what I mean. We all need to say our goodbyes to our friends/brothers—go!! Golf Co. 2/5, 1970

John Clary - April 21, 2020
Go, now! You never know when you’ll be out of time. I was living in DC when the Wall was dedicated, and was present for the ceremony. Visiting the Wall is a must do for me when I’m in DC. While it helps smooth the wrinkles in my soul, it always drives me to tears – too damn many friends whose names are on the Wall. I was in DC shortly after 9/11 and went to the Wall one Saturday morning. Hueys and fixed wing were flying around the area. I sat down on a bench and closed my eyes. It was instant transport back to 1968 and Danang. Every Vietnam Vet should visit the Wall. — John Clary, SGT, 1st Recon Bn, A-2, 67-69

Jerry Hattox - April 21, 2020
I’ve been to the wall 2 times. Both times with another person or persons. I need to go again by myself. There are many friends and acquainances there and I need personal time to pay my proper respects to them. My only regret is that I did not go to the dedication. I hope a personal trip can make up for that. 2 tours 65-66, and 1968.

Paul Carachilo - April 21, 2020
Visit the Wall. The one thing that we think we have a lot of is Time. But actually Time is something that we never have enough of, so take the Time now. Vietnam 66,67.

SGT MARKO - April 21, 2020
I thought that I was a tough guy, and that names, on a black wall, could not affect me. I can tell you that I was wrong. The Vietnam memorial has the power, to make us “feel” things that we had hidden inside of us. I was younger then, and probably bawl my eyes out visiting it at 69 years old. Vietnam 67, 68, 69.

Mike Jeffries - April 21, 2020
Make it a point to go ASAP! It’s a lot of closure to say goodbye to old comrades.

Mike Thompson Sgt - April 21, 2020
Make the trip time to face those demons

Lance Corporal Darryl Olver - April 21, 2020
Served with K 3/9. Been making the same promise to myself for the same amount of time. Now I’m an old marine, just turned 70, so I have actually made a plan to go up next month. Going to the Marine Corps Museum and the wall. Went home after Nam and stayed for two days. Left and haven’t been back since. That will be my third stop. Go to Pennsylvania and see what’s left of the family. Haven’t told anyone I’m coming. Should be some trip. Mentally as well as physically. Driving, Florida to Virginia, D.C. then to Pa. and back. Haven’t been this anxious since A Shau!!

Regrets

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