Page 121 - Stand Down Vietnam

In the Seabees, we have a saying; “Can Do” and that’s
what we strived to do. We build, and we protect what
we build. The South Korean Army provided security for
us.

Morale was high because we could see the results of our
work, and for the most part our living conditions were
pretty good; we had bunks and lockers and a trench to

jump into when we were taking on mortar fire.

When I saw pictures and television coverage of the
United States leaving Vietnam, it was “I can’t believe
it; we actually lost a war.” I think we lost in both
Korea and Vietnam. I am kinda broken-hearted because
all those men lost their lives over there.

I had two dear friends that lost their lives. We
served together at Port Hueneme, California.

When I returned state-side, there were no protestors.
I wear my Seabee hat and jacket; it feels good when
someone sees me and says thank you for your service.

From Vietnam, I was assigned to Ramey Air Force Base,
Puerto Rico, in February of ’70. We only had seven
Seabees assigned there. We didn’t have a lot of
equipment to maintain. Every two weeks, I had to check
the generators; they would run all the time.

At the end of that tour, I was sent to Charleston,
South Carolina, for my discharge. While processing my
discharge, they tried to get me to sign a waiver that
said I had no service-related injuries. I had hurt my
knee and leg. I refused to sign a waiver.