V A L O R

The Veterans of Vietnam

A Publication of the National Vietnam Veterans Committee Volume 1, Issue 2 - Summer 2006 A recap of The National Memorial Day Parade The Forgotten Soldier A Profile of Recipient Joe Ronnie Hooper By Michael O’Donnell Duty, Honor, Country By Col. George “Bud” Day, USAF-Ret Vietnam: The Long Journey Home A New Documentary from Lou Reda Productions From the Editor Heroes You Should KNow By Tim G.W. Holbert

Every generation has its heroes—those who step forward and in 1973. In 1976, already a legend, he was awarded the Medal willingly accept challenges that most individuals would shy from. of Honor. These heroes know not only personal bravery, in the sense that they overcome their fears to put themselves in harm’s way. They Another hero you should know is Staff Sergeant Joe Ronnie also know moral courage, discipline, honesty and fairness, and Hooper. His tale of valor is much greater than merely his deco- practical wisdom—in a word, they have character. rations—which include the Bronze Star, , eight Purple Hearts, and the Medal of Honor. SSgt. Hooper, like Col. Day, Lt. General Dave R. Palmer, Vietnam veteran and former Su- was dedicated to his country and his cause, and was willing to perintendent of West Point, recently wrote on the subject of sacrifice himself for them. His inspiring leadership on the battle- character: “Leaders of character know the difference between field is also the stuff of legend, and a legend is what he deserves right and wrong and have the courage to act accordingly; that is, to be. they have the moral fiber to take the harder right instead of the easier wrong.” Joe Hooper died in 1979, and his story of valor has largely been forgotten over time. The National Vietnam Veterans Commit- In this issue of Valor, we profile two men whose stories of tee, recognizing this slight, has recently created an annual award character you should know. Both are heroes. Both deserve to in his name to be presented to another hero of Vietnam. On be remembered. Both represent the finest of the generation of Saturday, November 11, 2006—Veterans Day—the inaugural Joe Americans who willingly accepted the challenge, and served their Ronnie Hooper Award will be presented this other great hero country in Vietnam. of Vietnam, Col. George “Bud” Day.

To the readers of this publication, the story of Col. George There are many more heroes you should know. Ones who served “Bud” Day is likely well known. A Marine Corps veteran of the during World War II, Korea, Vietnam—as well as our brave men South Pacific in World War II and two-tour fighter-bomber pi- and women currently in Afghanistan and Iraq. This fall, from lot in Korea, it was during his service in the Air Force during November 8-11 at the American Veterans Center’s Ninth An- Vietnam that he became a legend. Shot down over North Viet- nual Conference, many of these heroes from across the genera- nam on August 26, 1967, Day was immediately captured and tions will converge on Washington, DC, to tell their own stories, subsequently tortured. Rather than submit to the enemy, he not and to demonstrate to the next generation the value of service only refused to cooperate, he made a daring escape, eluding the and sacrifice—and character. While we certainly hope that you enemy for nearly two weeks. Though eventually recaptured and will join us for the event itself, just as valuable would be for you transferred to the notorious “ Hilton,” his spirit endured. to pass this issue of Valor on to a young person when you are Despite threats, torture, and inhuman living conditions, he con- finished with it, so they can learn of men such as Joe Hooper tinually resisted his captors for six long years, until he was freed and Bud Day, and recognize the true character of America’s vet-

Valor: The Veterans of Vietnam

Valor: The Veterans of Vietnam - Issue 2. A quarterly publication of the National Vietnam Veterans Committee National Vietnam Veterans Committee 1030 15th St, NW Suite 856, Washington, DC 20005. Telephone: 202- Brig. Gen. R. Steve Ritchie (USAF-Ret) - 777-7272. Fax: 202-408-0624. Honorary Chairman James C. Roberts - President The National Vietnam Veterans Committee is a project of the American Michael Paradiso - Publisher Studies Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public educational foundation. Valor Tim G.W. Holbert - Editor/Program Director is mailed to donors to the National Vietnam Veterans Committee who make a contribution of $50 or more per-year. Contributions help to fund the Committee’s various speaker conferences, student programs, the Na- tional Memorial Day Parade, documentary and oral history projects, and this publication. To make a contribution or subscribe, call 202-777-7272.

2 Valor - Issue 2 American Veterans Center’s Ninth Annual Conference November 8-11, 2006 Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel Arlington, VA

This Veterans Day weekend, join the American Veterans Center as we learn from and honor our military heroes from the Greatest Generation to the latest generation. For the past eight years, veterans of World War II have come to Washington to share their experiences with friends, family, and an admiring public as part of our annual conferences. This year, they will be joined by veterans of eras since, including Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. This will be an opportunity for veterans of all ages, their friends, and their fans to come together and honor their service and sacrifice.

As we celebrate Veterans Day among America’s greatest heroes, we hope that you will join us for a weekend that none who attend will soon forget.

Confirmed Topics and Speakers Include

The Honorable James Nicholson - Secretary of Veterans Affairs and decorated Vietnam veteran.

Lt. Gen. Dave R. Palmer - Former Superintendent of West Point, two-tour veteran of Vietnam, and military historian. Author of the recently published George Washington and Benedict Arnold: A Tale of Two Patriots.

Brig. Gen. R. Steve Ritchie - The only Air Force ace pilot of the .

Col. George “Bud” Day - Veteran of three wars, recipient of the Medal of Honor for his heroics in during his POW experience in Vietnam.

Col. Lewis S. Sorley - Vietnam veteran and renowned historian and author of A Better War: The Unexamined Victories and Final Tragedy of America’s Last Years in Vietnam.

Adrian Cronauer - Famed Vietnam disc jockey and subject of the movie Good Morning, Vietnam. Plus

Veterans of the legendary Celia Sandys - Noted author and A panel devoted to recipients of our Bob Feller - Baseball Doolittle Raiders of World War II granddaughter of Sir Winston nation’s highest military award: Hall of Famer and Churchill The Medal of Honor veteran of World War II

Panel devoted to the Vietnam POW Veterans of the famed “Band of Brothers”, Panels devoted to Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Korea, Experience E Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Vietnam, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Division PLUS actors who portrayed them Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in the HBO miniseries Wreath laying ceremonies at the National World The gala Edward J. Herlihy Awards Banquet, War II Memorial, the Veterans honoring our greatest veterans from World War II Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial through today For a Conference Registration Form or Questions Call 202-777-7272 The American Veterans Center Presents The National Memorial Day Parade

On a warm, sunny afternoon, an estimated 125,000 people lined the streets of Washington for the second annual Na- tional Memorial Day Parade. Honoring America’s veterans and war dead from the Revolution through Operation Iraqi Freedom, the spectacular two and a half hour parade included over 3,000 participants, among them 600 servicemen and women recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. This was the nation’s first official opportunity to welcome these brave heroes home, and into the pantheon of American he- roes dating back well over 200 years. The parade was spon- sored by the American Veterans Center, the parent organiza- tion of the National Vietnam Veterans Committee.

Grand Marshal of the 2006 National Memorial Day Parade was Emmy Award-winning actor (pictured right), most famous for his role as Lt. Dan Taylor in the film Forrest Gump. In recent years, Sinise has worked to raise awareness about the sacrifices made by members of the military. He is the co-founder of Operation Iraqi Children, a grassroots pro- gram that helps ordinary Americans reach out to the Iraqi people by providing school supplies for children, and sup- ports our troops’ efforts to build a better future for Iraq.

The parade ceremonies began shortly before noon with the recit- ing of the Pledge of Allegiance, led by eight recipients of our nation’s highest military award, the Medal of Honor. Immedi- ately following was an Air Force flyover (below), featuring a World War II-era P-51, Korea-era F-86, an A-10 Thunderbolt II, and an Air Force F-15 Eagle.

At noon, the flags around Washington were raised from half-staff to full, and the parade stepped off, led by a riderless, caparisoned horse (left) in honor of those Americans who gave their lives for our country. Organized chronologically, from re-enactors of soldiers from the Continental Army, War of 1812, Civil War (pictured left), and Spanish-American War, the parade sought to pay tribute to the sacrifices of all who have served America throughout her history.

Following these units of reenactors were hundreds of vet- erans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Op- eration Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The parade even included 106-year-old Petty Officer 1st Class Lloyd Brown, one of about 30 remaining American veterans of World War I. Brown served as an Honorary Marshal representing those who fought in the First World War.

Perhaps one of the most gratifying parts of the parade was the involvement, and enthusiasm, of scores of young people who helped make the event a success. Hundreds of kids from the Young Ma- rines program volunteered to help carry banners and flags (pictured right), escort veterans, and pass out water to parade participants. Also, members of the Navy Sea Cadets assisted in handing out over 20,000 small American flags to the crowds lining Constitution Avenue. This is all in addition to the thousands of children and young adults who attended the parade, along with their parents and grandparents, to honor those who preserved free- dom for future generations, and are continuing to do so today.

One of the major highlights of the National Memorial Day Parade was the inclusion of the legendary Marine Corps Band, pictured left in their trademark red uniforms. Nicknamed “The President’s Own,” the Ma- rine Band is one of the most respected bands in the world and is the oldest professional mu- sic organization in America. Once led by John Phillip Sousa, the band played many of his marches throughout the length of the parade route. They were joined by nearly two dozen high school, college, and military academy bands which marched in the parade. Leading each delegation of veterans in the parade were honoary marshals for every era since World War I. In addi- tion to Petty Officer 1st Class Lloyd Brown, the honorary marshals included MG John K. Singlaub, representing the Korean War, BG R. Steve Ritchie for Vietnam, and Gen. Walter E. Boomer for Desert Storm. Honorary Marshal representing the veterans of World War II was LTG Harry W.O. Kinnard of the famed (pic- tured left with wife Libby). Kinnard went on to command the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during Vietnam, and is often referred to as the father of airmobile warfare.

In addition to the Honorary Marshals, the parade featured a number of distinguished veterans, none more distin- guished than seven recipients of the nation’s highest mili- tary award, the Medal of Honor (pictured right). Thanks to the generous support of Tri West Healthcare Alliance, these heroes were brought to Washington where they helped begin the National Memorial Day Parade by lead- ing the Pledge of Allegiance. Included were Vietnam vet- erans John F. Baker, Jr., Roger H.C. Donlon, Robert L. Howard, and James A. Taylor.

A name known to many of those who lined the parade route was that of Rocky Bleier (left), starting fullback for the four- time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s. Bleier’s story is truly one of the most inspirational in sports. Drafted by the Steelers in 1968, he would soon be drafted again - by the U.S. Army. He was severely wounded in Viet- nam, and many thought his return to football would be im- possible. Still, he persevered, and eventually made it back to the Steelers, where he became a key part of their offense. Bleier’s story was made into the 1980 film, Fighting Back, based on his autobiography.

Veterans of all generations participated in the 2006 Na- tional Memorial Day Parade. None were more visible than the veterans of Vietnam. Each of the services were rep- resented, with hundreds of veterans from such units as the 101st Airborne Division and the Army Rangers took part. Additionally, members of such veterans organiza- tions as the Military Order of the , Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc., and Nam Knights of America MC participated. “Welcome home.” For the veterans of Vietnam, these two words have a meaning much stronger than for most Ameri- cans. They are the words that far too many Vietnam veter- ans did not hear upon their return home. Many Vietnam veterans made the vow that from that point on, our return- ing service men and women would be welcomed home with open arms by a nation proud of their service and sacrifice.

This is exactly what happened at the 2006 National Memo- rial Day Parade, which culminated with the inclusion of over 600 service members only recently returned from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan (pictured left and below).

Easily the most thrilling and emotional moment of the parade was when hundreds of active duty mili- tary personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Ma- rines, National Guard, and Coast Guard passed by the 125,000 spectators crowded along Constitution Avenue (below). A tremendous roar arose from the reviewing stand as each branch of the military was announced. The 2006 National Memorial Day Pa- rade was the first official event for the public to wel- come home our troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, and it was an opportunity for these brave men and women to be recognized alongside the heroes of the past, from World War II, Korea, Desert Storm, and Vietnam. Expressing the sentiments of many of the troops just returned from abroad was Sgt. Sebrina Sims of the Washington, DC National Guard, who said that it was “an honor” to march alongside others who served before. As she told the Washington Times, “I am a veteran, and I honor all vets. If I could do it again next year, I would.”

The second annual National Memorial Day was a tremendous success, drawing over 125,000 spectators and coverage on network, cable, and local television news channels, and was broadcast live around the world on the Pentagon Chan- nel. Stories on the parade appeared in such national newspapers as the Washing- ton Post, Washington Times, and New York Times, as well as dozens of others. Still, the success would not have been possible without the generous contributions of thousands of individual donors to the National Vietnam Veterans Commit- tee, who share in the belief that the men and women of America’s military deserve to be remembered today, tomorrow, and for all time. VALOR The Forgotten SOldier The Story of Staff Sergeant Joe Ronnie Hooper By Michael O’Donnell

It was philosopher and theologian Plato who once said, “A One of the most noteworthy of all of Hooper’s battles took hero is born among a hundred, a wise man is found among place on February 21st, 1968, in Hue, . For a thousand, but an accomplished one might not be found his actions on this day, Hooper would receive the military’s even among a hundred thousand men.” We all know he- highest award for valor: the Medal of Honor. roes of the past, Alvin York of World War I and Audie Murphy of World War II, but It was dawn on the morning of what about the heroes of Viet- the 21st. The sun rose over the nam? Among the veterans of fields of Hue and painted the sky Vietnam, there are countless sto- red, an eerie sight during these ries of valor, yet they have been bloody days of the Tet Offen- largely ignored or forgotten over sive. D Company, 2/501st Infan- time. For the 543,400 Americans try, 101st Airborne Division— on the ground at the height of the the Delta Raiders—were assault- Vietnam War, the 58,226 who ing a strong enemy position when were killed or missing in action, they began to receive heavy fire the 211,529 who were wounded, from the Viet Cong. Rockets and the 4 million total who blazed through the jungle, and served in the Vietnam “theater,” the sound of machine guns and there was one who stood out other automatic weapons filled among all the rest. His name is the air. Company D’s advance on Staff Sergeant Joe Ronnie the enemy was halted by their Hooper, and not only was he a squad leader, then—Sgt. Hooper, hero in the Vietnam War; he is in front of a stream approxi- also the most decorated soldier in mately 20 feet-wide. Hooper American international combat, even gathered a few of his men and eclipsing both York and Murphy. dashed across the stream, up into the face of the enemy fire. Al- Joe Ronnie Hooper was born on August 8th, 1938 in Pied- though the enemy was firing from a protected bunker on mont, South Carolina. His family moved when he was a the opposite side of the stream, it was quickly taken by child to Moses Lake, Washington, where he attended high Sgt. Hooper and the men that fearlessly followed him. Soon, school. Hooper grew up a tough kid who knew how to scrap the rest of Company D began to follow Sgt. Hooper’s ex- and take care of himself, and would even on some occa- ample, taking the fight to the enemy. A couple of men were sions go looking for a fight. This mentality would find it- wounded, leaving them exposed to the wrath of enemy fire. self of use when Hooper enlisted in the Navy at the age of Without a second thought, Sgt. Hooper braved the crossfire 17 in the summer of 1955. There he served until 1961 when and went out after his wounded brothers. Hooper helped he left for the Army. Joe served multiple tours of duty in one man back to safety, then returned for the second man. Vietnam, one from 1966-67 and another from 1967-68, He got to the wounded soldier, but in the process was with D company, 2nd Battalion, 501st Airborne Infantry, wounded himself. Still, he brought the man to safety, sav- 101st Airborne Division. He would return to action in 1969 ing him from certain death. Returning to the fight, Hooper with special permission from the president. It was while found SSG Thomas pinned down by enemy fire. Trying to serving in Vietnam that Hooper proved why he would later decipher where the shots were coming from, Hooper called become the most decorated American soldier of all time.

8 Valor - Issue 2 through the rattle of gunfire and explosions to SP4 Mount, two of the snipers made it, as the third fell victim to who was up ahead, to see if there was room to maneuver Hooper’s rifle. Then taking a LAW (light anti-armor between two small houses in the direction of the fire. weapon), Sgt. Hooper hit the house the snipers had en- tered, setting it ablaze. Deciding to take the enemy on directly, Sgt. Hooper made a drastic move, taking swift action to save Mount from as- Meanwhile, the right side of the squad began to receive sured death. He moved around the left of the houses, even heavy fire from two more houses. Once again, Sgt. Hooper though the enemy had manned bunkers not more than fif- took matters into his own hands and proceeded to knock teen meters from the side of the those out, as well. Still, fire house. Making his way around from the right side proceeded. to the flank of the house, It was determined that the Hooper found three bunkers shots were coming from a connected by a trench. He im- nearby shrine. Sgt. Hooper, mediately charged the bunker, leading two of his men, crawled and as if he were a pitcher aim- forward and opened fire on the ing for the strike zone, threw a shrine. Soon, the enemy fire grenade into the bunker and was silenced. followed it up with rifle fire. Sgt. Hooper unloaded round af- Sgt. Hooper led the men in an- ter round as the “ping” of the other sweep over the area, shells leaving the gun echoed overrunning a few more bun- in the sultry air, until none were kers. Upon reaching one bun- left alive in the three bunkers. ker, Hooper halted his squad and climbed on top, firing down Sgt. Hooper made haste in get- upon the enemy. Out of no- ting back to the riverbank, where a Viet Cong soldier ap- where many of the men in peared and pointed his rifle at Company D had shown hesita- Sgt. Hooper’s head. In a dras- tion in moving forward. How- tic effort to save his life, Hooper ever, after witnessing what Sgt. quickly swung around, but the Hooper had just done, they Viet Cong soldier had pulled were inspired to follow suit. Just Fighting rages during the battle for Hue. Summary executions the trigger first. There was a as they arrived at the top of the and mass killings were common following the Viet Cong and click—then silence. His weapon bank, three Viet Cong soldiers NVA’s capture and occupation of Hue during the Tet Offensive. had jammed! The Viet Cong They were eventually expelled by American and South Vietnam- jumped out of the bamboo, ese forces. The extent of the atrocities committed by the VC and soldier, his eyes full of fear af- wildly firing their AK-47s. For- NVA was not fully recognized for some time after the battle. ter realizing that he had messed tunately, the company chaplain with the wrong soldier, ran for was the only man hit. Still, everyone just froze—that is, his life. Hooper, out of ammunition, followed in hot pur- everyone except Joe Hooper, who immediately began fir- suit. He quickly caught up to the Viet Cong, gruesomely ing back. Unleashing a storm of bullets, Hooper dropped stabbing him to death with his bayonet. two of the enemy soldiers while the other managed to es- cape. Sgt. Hooper then bandaged the chaplain’s wound and When Sgt. Hooper returned to his men, he found that they helped him back to safety. were under heavy automatic weapons fire from a house in of the front of the enemy lines. While everyone else took When he retuned, Hooper led the men up to the three bun- cover, Hooper moved out alone and maneuvered around kers he had just eliminated. Noticing that the other bun- the house. He kicked in the back door and was fired upon kers on the flank were overrun with Viet Cong, Hooper instantly, the bullets coming within inches of hitting his once again moved ahead of his men. His keen eye and natu- body. Unfortunately for the Viet Cong, with Joe Hooper, ral instincts assisted him in noticing three snipers running there were no second chances. Hooper opened up with a from a bunker in an effort to find safety in a house. Only

Valor - Issue 2 9 mighty blast, tossing in two grenades as he left, killing all Cong soldier emerged from the brush, aiming his rifle at the defenders. Hooper’s head. Before the Viet Cong could even pull the trigger, however, Sgt. Hooper blasted him. Hooper then Moving forward, Hooper’s men faced a stiff resistance. The picked Gray up, tossed him over his shoulder, and carried rest of the bunkers were just ahead, part of the last line of him to safety before turning back to reorganize his men. At defense for the enemy. The bunkers were positioned in an that point, Sgt. Hooper and the Delta Raiders moved out inverted “U” shape, with heavy fire coming from the row into the field and cleaned up the area of the remaining en- on bunkers on the left emy insurgents. Only running perpendicular after taking care of the to the line of advance. wounded did Hooper A trench ran in front of finally settle down to the bunkers, through tend to his own which Sgt. Hooper wounds. darted, with SP4 Ur- ban in tow. As he Joe Hooper was passed each bunker, wounded a total of Hooper tossed a gre- seven times that day. nade inside, while Ur- Once things quieted ban made sure the job down, he passed out, was done by pouring due to a significant loss rifle fire into each of of blood. He awoke to the bunkers. This find himself in a field killed all but two of the hospital. Naturally, enemy. The two survi- Sgt. Hooper was wor- vors, staggering out of ried about his men in a bunker disheveled D Company, so the and bloody, were im- very next day, he stole mediately taken as Joe Hooper is presented with the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon. a rifle and hitched a The citation read, in part: POWs. Reaching the ride back out into the last bunker, Hooper His supreme valor, inspiring leadership and heroic self-sacrifice were directly responsible for the field to rejoin his fel- turned right and fired company’s success and provided a lasting example in personal courage for every man on the field. low Delta Raiders. on two Viet Cong sol- S/Sgt. Hooper’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and diers located behind reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army. After returning to the the fortification. Trying United States in 1969, to escape the grasp of Joe Hooper was pre- the Delta Raiders and Sgt. Hooper, the enemy soldiers sented with the Medal of Honor from President Richard ducked into the bunker. Hooper surged up to the top of M. Nixon in a White House ceremony. He was commis- the bunker, and finding the two Viet Cong soldiers, dropped sioned an officer, and retired in 1972 as a , worn an incendiary grenade inside, annihilating the enemy sol- down from the multiple combat wounds he had suffered diers. over time. By the end of his military career, Hooper was accredited with killing 115 enemy insurgents, but the men Sgt. Hooper continued firing at the enemy positions, si- who served with him in D Company say that the actual lencing one after another until it seemed all resistance in number was even higher. the area had been eliminated. Then, in the blink of an eye, SP4 Gray was wounded in a trench near the bunkers he Hooper began to work odd jobs for Veterans Affairs, but had just been firing on. Enemy firing was still sweeping his energy and temperament made it difficult for him to through the fields beyond. Sgt. Hooper, arriving on the scene adapt to the more reserved life of a bureaucrat. Eventu- and now completely out of ammunition, selflessly climbed ally, he and his wife, Faye, went on to raise racehorses on into the trench to assist Gray. SSG Thomas tossed Hooper their rented horse farm in Claremont, Oklahoma. Racing a .45 caliber pistol in case he needed it. Just then a Viet had become a passion of his, and he made it a point to

10 Valor - Issue 2 never miss the Kentucky Derby. In 1979, Hooper, his wife, the pantheon of American heroes, Hooper fought gallantly and daughter Joey, were in Louisville attending the Derby. for his country. Is it because Hooper was a valiant soldier The evening after the race, Faye and Joey flew home, while fighting an unpopular war? Was it following orders in a for- Joe decided to stick around to talk business with some of eign country while there was turmoil at home? Perhaps it his racing friends. The next morning, Joe Hooper was found was going above and beyond the call of duty in the jungles dead in his hotel room in Louisville, Kentucky. He died of Vietnam while radicals back home attacked the honor quietly in his sleep of and reputations of a cerebral hemor- Hooper and the men rhage. He was only 40 he served with? years old. Whatever the reason Joe Ronnie Hooper’s is, it is unclear. The battlefield legacy is questions and an- nearly unparalleled in swers as to why the history of Ameri- America was fighting can warfare. As Sgt. in Vietnam are unim- George Parker, who portant to the fact witnessed Hooper’s that men such as Joe actions on the day of Ronnie Hooper February 21, 1968, fought for one reason later said, and one reason only—they cared Sgt. Hooper in one day about our people and accomplished more than this nation, and be- I previously believed lieved in basic human could have been done in liberties; that every a month by one man. man, in all corners of And he did it all while the world, has the wounded. It wasn’t just Michael O’Donnell at the gravesite of one of America’s greatest battlefield heroes - right to freedom. It the actual count of posi- Joe Ronnie Hooper. was men like Joe tions overrun and enemy Ronnie Hooper and killed which was impor- the values that they tant. But far more so was the fantastic inspiration he gave every man held that are the foundation this country was built on, which in the company. has served as a model for those who also wish for freedom. These heroes do not fight and bleed because it is fun. They In addition to the Medal of Honor, Hooper’s decorations fight because they believe in protecting their country, bet- include two Silver Stars with Oak Leaf Clusters, six Bronze tering humanity as a whole, and preserving the right of all Stars with “V” Device and Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal men to be free. It was brave, fearless, and courageous men with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and eight Purple Hearts. such as Staff Sergeant Joe Ronnie Hooper who embodied this belief to the fullest extent and helped secure the free- Joe Hooper now lies at rest in Arlington National Cem- dom that our country enjoys today. Thank God for the blood etery near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The irony in of heroes. it all is that to some extent the Unknown Soldier and Hooper are sharing the same fate. They are both unrecognized. While Michael O’Donnell is a junior at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. He is the Unknown Soldier’s identity is known “but to God,” Joe double majoring in journalism and broadcast journalism, with a minor in advertis- ing. Michael’s father, James O’Donnell, served with the in Hooper is the most decorated soldier in the history of Ameri- Vietnam. A number of other relatives served in Vietnam, including cousin Robert can international combat. His is a name that should be Kisch, who as a 2nd Lieutenant and platoon leader in the United States Marine known to all of us. For all the accomplishments that Joe Corps, was killed in a bombing attack. Ronnie Hooper achieved, how is it that we do not remem- WWII ber him? Just like Audie Murphy, Alvin York, and others in

Valor - Issue 2 11 Duty, Honor, Country Col. George “Bud” Day, USAF-Ret

To any student of the history of the Vietnam War, Col. George “Bud” From Chapter 17: The Short Reunion/Church Riot: Day needs no introduction. On August 26, 1967, then-Major Day’s F- 100 was shot down during a mission over . Smashing into On Christmas Eve, Jack, Ben and I, survivors of Heartbreak, the plane’s fuselage upon ejection, Day shattered his arm in three places and were moved into Vegas for Christmas dinner. Our gear was floated helplessly toward the ground—and waiting North Vietnamese mili- shaken down. Everything we had been given from our Christmas tiamen. He was immediately captured and marched away to a makeshift packages (toothbrushes, soap, socks, clothing and food) was taken camp, where he was tortured for refusing to answer his captors’ questions. away from us. Most of it was never seen again. The deodorant, The North Vietnamese figured that Maj. Day, in such a weakened state, soap, and vitamins I had used so sparingly were gone! I nearly was in no shape to attempt an escape, so they tied him up loosely. The North cried. With them went all of my pictures of Viking and the children. Vietnamese figured wrong. When his guards were not looking, Day untied the ropes and ran off, Doors opened and we were moved en heading south toward freedom. mass into Room Seven in the back courtyard of Hoa Lo Prison. Room For nearly two weeks, Major Day, though weak seven was a 25-foot by 70-foot room and suffering from delirium, pushed on toward accommodating 45 men. One built-up the safety of South Vietnam. Despite several attempts to signal U.S. aircraft, he was eventu- concrete pedestal was located in the center ally recaptured by the Viet Cong, and returned of the room. We had about 18 inches to the prison from which he had escaped. He per man on the pedestal for bed space, would soon be transferred to the notorious “Hanoi but it was as pleasurable as a boy’s Sunday Hilton.” Though severely injured and suffering School picnic. unimaginable torture at the hands of the North Vietnamese, Day refused to cooperate, earning The back side area was named Camp the admiration of his fellow POWs and the con- Unity, or No OK Corral. A near-holiday tempt of his captors. For offering “maximum mood enveloped us. Sleeping was out of resistance” to the North Vietnamese, George the question. Everyone stayed up the entire “Bud” Day would later be awarded this country’s night and talked or simply stared at all of highest military award—the Medal of Honor. these Americans. Happiness and joy washed through the group and built into a groundswell of relief In his book, Duty, Honor, Country, Col. Day tells his story, from the from suffering. It seemed to be our emancipation. fast-paced life of an Air Force pilot to his capture and subsequent incarcera- tion by the North Vietnamese. He takes readers within the walls of the People described what they speculated had prompted the moves. “Hanoi Hilton” and the various prisoner compounds inside, among them Some had been at Camp Faith and were able to see much of the “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Little Vegas.” He recounts his treatment at the air activity on Son Tay. There was a report that someone had hands of his North Vietnamese captors, including a sadistic interrogator contact with a South Vietnamese soldier who had described a nicknamed the “Bug.” He also describes what kept him going throughout his “parachute raid.” As a result, we thought a commando raid had hellish six year ordeal as a : humor, faith in God, the pride struck near Hanoi. It was a long time before we learned the true and resolve of his fellow POWs, and the love of his family back home, story of Son Tay from the new “shoot downs” in late 1972. especially his wife Doris—affectionately nicknamed “Viking.” Delight at being in a big room was overtaken by the necessity of In this issue of Valor, we proudly print a segment of Col. Day’s story. We organizing normal activities to provide for food, cleanup and begin on Christmas Eve, 1971. Following the American raid on Son Tay work details. We organized by seniority, sorted out our room prison, and the relentless work of the families of the POWs, the North SRO, the flight commanders, and sorted people into various flights. Vietnamese have brought many of the prisoners together in one compound, and have decided to, very slightly, improve their conditions. With the morale boost that came along with this reunion among the prisoners, it was decided It was necessary to establish comm links with John P. that a small church service was in order. But what was supposed to be a Flynn, the senior POW, if he were in camp, in order to get the small religious service turned into one of the most inspiring moments of the chain of command going. Vietnam War, and a testament to the strength of the human soul...

12 Valor - Issue 2 My pad lay between two friends, John McCain (later awarded service. Our small four-man choir quietly sang three religious the South Vietnamese Legion of Honor, that nation’s highest songs which touched everyone to the core: Rock of Ages, The Old combat award) and Jim Kasler. What a pleasure to enjoy the Rugged Cross, and I Walk in the Garden Alone. companionship of these dear people. Larry Guarino slept on the other side of Jim Kasler, and it was stimulating to have firsthand, Early that evening, amid great commotion, the door flew open face-to-face contact with this great leader and courageous Italian and Bug entered with many armed guards. He ordered Rutledge, whom I admired so much. Billy Lawrence, a Navy Commander, Coker and Robbie to leave. They picked up quietly and as they now an admiral, was my flight commander; a brilliant, dynamic, walked out the door, I began to sing The Star Spangled Banner. fine fellow. The notion of group resistance was not unknown to this bunch. Unlike Russian prisoners who accepted their lot with scarcely a Our long repressed and overpowering urge of anesthetic whisper of complaint, these mice began to roar like lions. renewal… a religious program, worship through hymns, participation in prayer, and thanks to God Everyone joined in! From a low-key quiet for this fantastic experience in living, began song, it became louder and louder! The to burn in our hearts. We luxuriated in the next rooms picked it up. In a few minutes, camaraderie of each other – 45 happy, The Star-Spangled Banner circled the camp. laughing, smiling men, all wanting to talk It was the first time American voices had at the same time. been heard united and clear in Hanoi, and it was a great morale lifter for most of Astute and practical Larry Guarino the POWs. psyched our situation well when he said, “Enjoy it, pal, it will not last long. Human For the next two hours, we sang all of the nature being what it is, there will be patriotic songs, God Bless America, America personality problems, and discord in this the Beautiful, many hymns, California, Here I environment that we didn’t have when the Come, The Eyes of are Upon You, and pressure was really on. We’ve only been in many others. Three, four, five or six hard here a couple of days and people are now years of pent up emotion and frustration telling me how I should have run the Zoo. were launched on the wings of song into When the torture was thick and fast, I never the night, in a protest against our friends’ had person try to tell me what to do, having been unjustly removed from the because they knew their answers were no room. A semblance of self-respect better than mine.” How prophetic his returned! comment! Bud Day during happier times - in his T-Bird at Scott Field in 1959. Not all POWs reacted the same, as not all We decided to organize a church program supported our resistance policies. I quote with Ensign George Coker as our minister. George was a fine, the remarks of U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Edison Miller, charged clean-cut young fellow, one of two early escapees from the Power by a fellow POW with misconduct, in a poem quoted from the Plant, and the A-6 bombardier-navigator for Jack Fellowes. Des Moines Register:

On February 7, 1971, our church program consisted of George “Cowards Sing at Night” Coker opening the church services, Commander Howie Rutledge conducting the opening prayer, and Colonel Risner giving the “December 9, 1973 – WROTE POEMS. Miller wrote six poems closing prayer. Although the Bug forbade it, we had the quiet as a POW. One of them, read over the camp radio, incensed church service. We invited Bug to attend and told him he would some prisoners after several POWs were penalized after a whole find that religion didn’t hurt. Our welcome to him was hollow camp broke into song (The Star-Spangled Banner) one night as a and insincere. He told us that if we held a church service, it would showing of unity. The poem includes these lines: be very bad for us. Of course, we would be punished. The Valiant often stand alone As church began, Bug came to the window and ordered us to And speak from heart and mind. stop. He shouted, fumed, and insisted that it stop. We were in no The coward seeks the crowd and night, mood to stop. We were in no mood to stop and continued the His face he hides from sight and light.

Valor - Issue 2 13 The Valiant try to understand. Colonel Risner, Commander Rutledge, and Ensign Coker, there They often wonder why. was going to be a lot of trouble. Our threats could not be ignored. The Coward’s voice is heard in vain. He calls forth God and Flag by name. February 8, 1971, was an exciting day. Various of the “trouble makers” were pulled out of the room, usually singly, but In answer to a question, Miller says he doesn’t feel he was sometimes in pairs. The courtyard was alive with armed guards, brainwashed, then added, ‘Maybe I was a little.’” End of excerpt. unlike the more normal condition of armed guards in the towers and numerous unarmed turnkeys and kitchen help milling about It is my guess that, according to Miller, the “cowards” were the the yard. The atmosphere was electric with excitement. Guards men who sang the Star-Spangled Banner in protest against “V” held their weapons at the ready, grenades hung on their belts. mistreatment. Conversely, those who wrote anti-POW poems to be read on the “V” propaganda box were “The Valiant.” Little The area just outside of our large, rusty, double door was enclosed wonder that the U.S. Marine Corps by a bamboo woven-mat fence saw fit to dispense with the services about eight feet high. A partition of Mr. Miller and a pity it did not of similar size and shape separated press for a court martial and our courtyard from Room Six, next dishonorable discharge, in my door. Numerous verdant trees, opinion. He was promptly mostly Asian pecan and Australian separated, but not jailed. A pity. The pines, stirred listlessly in the light songfest frightened the Vietnamese sunny morning breeze. badly. It was inconceivable for anything like that to happen in a I was called out by Bug, who also Communist country. Such singled out Kasler, McCain, and protestors would be thrown Fellowes. We were led out immediately into confinement, separately. After leaving the arrested, dragged off to a labor courtyard, I was steered to the camp, or put in an insane asylum. right toward the Rawhide When the protestors are already in The entrance to the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, known to Squadron and the run-down, tiny Americans as the “Hanoi Hilton.” jail, it created a real problem for building that was designed as a the “camp.” hospital room by the “V.”

Our action indicated organization against the “camp authorities.” The action of the guards was menacing. It was clear this was not The Communists were terrorized by our unity and organization. a day in which to get “famous.” I was halted at bayonet point, We got their attention this time! Fearsome thoughts of riots ran and waved into a room next to the sick room. A porky, puff- through the camp administration. faced officer, wearing the three stars of a captain, sat stiffly behind a wobbly, peeling old desk, badly in need of varnish. “Why can’t those rotten troublemakers leave well enough alone? Always wanting something. First they wanted to move together. He shuffled some papers nervously, mentally priming himself Then they even wanted to stop bowing. When will their for the role he was going to play. The “V” English speakers unreasonable demands stop? When we cracked their rotten skulls acted as if there was a multi-position switch connected to their they didn’t sing! When we smashed that reactionary Ngay across brains, and when activated, it moved them to the tough-guy, the the ass, you didn’t hear any bourgeois songs! No, he crawled like friendly, or the sympathetic position, in robot fashion. Martinet- a snake on the concrete. These diehards. Give them an inch and like, the captain stiffened his back, and looked up at me with his they’ll want a mile!” “toughest guy” look.

Resistance fed on resistance, like a buzzard on a dead rabbit. “Nigh?” he asked.

The SRO made it clear to Bug and the turnkeys who came to the “Yes,” I responded. “My name is Day.” door that the following Sunday would produce another church service; bigger, better, and louder than the last. We stated that if “You, I know you nem (your name),” in butchered English. With they did not agree (1) to allow us to have church, and (2) return that he went on to play the “black creemenal” record…killed

14 Valor - Issue 2 many Vietnamese old men, women, and children…show a “bad Plantation; Cochise, former and dismissed commander of the attitude” toward the camp authority…make dark schemes against Zoo; the Fox, military commander of the Zoo; Rabbit, active the camp…guilty of many crimes since being captured...never torturer; Bushy, present commander of Unity, ex-commander been “sincere”… had even escaped from the people…never of Son-Tay; Frenchy or Hare Lip, former commander of the shown repentance for black deeds and black crimes. Despite the Briar Patch; Major Bai, liaison officer responsible for all POWs. fact that the camp and the people had always shown lenient and Moses, political cadre who supervised the mass Zoo torture of more humane treatment (meaning they had not murdered me on 1969, resulting in prisoner death; the Rat, Lump, Spot, Soft Soap the spot) it seemed that I never learned my lesson, to be “polite” Fairy, and a number of lesser luminaries well-known to the rank and to “show good attitude.” and file POW.

I stood mute, dulled by years of listening to this broken record. One of them said, “Nigh,” nodding at me. Several of the group I could almost repeat it verbatim. looked up and stared fixedly at me. Many of them were senior officers or cadres, older, slightly better groomed and a little better “Now,” he said threateningly, “you have against the camp in a dressed. The punks in the group put on their sneers and disdainful serious crime, and I warn you, if you show any more bad attitude, faces, in a pathetic attempt to curry favor with their seniors by the guards have the right to kill you on the spot. There will be no demonstrating “good attitude.” Behind them, a few feet away, more bad action against the camp, and we know, Nigh, that you two of my future roommates, John Flynn and Dave Winn, are diehard reactionary and the Camp Authority will punish you languished in cramped, dark cells. heavily for your next crime. And all of your room-fellows.” As I turned the corner into our yard, the sour odor of poorly- I stood in silent disgust, thinking all the while that I wouldn’t washed clothes, undergarments, and towels battered my senses. I want it any other way. This disturbed him. He wanted me to noticed that our rectangular brick and cement horse trough was respond, and I savored this slight discomfort on his part. full of water. Using our cups, leaky pots or food cans, we dipped Happiness is not answering a Communist who wants an answer. water out of this trough to bathe and wash clothes.

“Nigh!” he shouted, half rising. “Uner stan?” Thankfully, the entire courtyard was paved with a thin veneer of crumbling concrete, installed by the French, many decades past. I stared at him blankly, and did not answer. It was filled with ruts and holes, which made walking dangerous to the unwary, but it was a blessing. With the torrential rains that “Go home,” he barked and called the guard to direct me back fell on Hanoi, a dirt yard would have turned into a hog wallow toward the compound. of the worst sort.

I walked slowly back, relishing the fact that I was momentarily The Hawk, our present turnkey, sour-faced and perpetually out from behind the bars of an over-crowded room, breathing unhappy, unlocked the doors and waved me into the room. I fresh air, savoring the beauty of the blue sky and the billowy, looked over my shoulder for one last glance at the open sky, and puffy, cumulous clouds. The early spring sun was warming. stepped up into the room. The penetrating stink of the open urinal and the uncovered barrel that was our toilet was sickening. Never had the sky been so blue, the clouds so white, and the trees so green. I searched the area for any POW face, since in Navy Commander Charlie James looked up at me questioningly, 1971 I could only recognize 65-70 of the 335 POWs in Hanoi. “Same thing?” With the paranoid “V” penchant for security, that was the total I had seen, many only once, and then briefly. Even now, there are “Rog,” I answered, “SOS.” (Same old stuff) more than 100 I have not met or talked with. “Boy,” he said, “the ‘V’ are really excited, really panicked. I think Near the main gate separating Camp Unity and the Heartbreak those numbskulls think we are going to charge the walls.” Hotel front courtyard, a number of senior “V” officers were gathered. Lounging against the wall, hands in pockets, caps askew, “You’re right, Charlie! I can’t believe it. You’d think that after in faded, wrinkled uniforms, they generated a graphic picture of holding and dealing with Americans for almost seven years, they what they were – second-raters, unsuited for combat commands. would understand us. It appears highly likely that as someone else said of East and West, never the twain shall meet.” In the group were Stone-Face, the former commander of the

Valor - Issue 2 15 I went straight to my flight commander, Bill Lawrence, and our lot would get us thrown back into the dark ages. reported on my quiz. John McCain jumped up and joined us. I had no more insight into the operation of this section of the “SOS, Bill!” I explained. “They are really frightened and have camp than most people in our room. I had spent more hours misinterpreted the songfest and our resistance actions. They think looking out the back window of Heartbreak Hotel into this same we are going to riot. The yard is full of all the ranking bad guys. yard, and I had survived the years at the Zoo. Every high-powered “V” I have ever known from any other camp or seen around the system is out by Heartbreak Gate.” About 525 North Vietnamese men, women, and children, including babies, had been confined in the same spaces that now John McCain added, “This is really wild! They’re terrorized! I held slightly more than half that number. The treatment of their would guess that the fact that torture has been taken away from own people was as primitive and oppressive as our treatment, them as a first resort, must really have them panicked. They always and their living conditions were worse. knew how to put out a fire when they had torture. They have no idea of how to operate when just plain ordinary human relations Now, in the spring of 1971, we were being treated with more are demanded.” restraint and less oppression than the hapless “V” civilian prisoners I had watched for hours in the previous year. I recalled how one How demonstrative of my own, and many others’ feelings, about small child, perhaps two years old, would burst into tears, scream, this never-never land we had entered in 1970-71. How ironic run and cling to her mother every time the Communist that our “V” room officer in charge would be the Bug, that our policewoman entered the yard. When a child, slightly older than a bread delivery boy would be Jake, that our turnkey would be the suckling babe, can recognize the obvious danger of an approaching Hawk, or the Cedric the Kid would be thrust into daily contact Communist, the all-encompassing evils of communism have to with us. It would be impossible to get an accurate measure of be very obvious. the amount of torture, starvation, deprivation, mistreatment and death that this particular group had inflicted on the POW This was the first time in almost three years that I had not been a population. It was incredible to mix this group of torturers with commander. During the bleak days from about January 1, 1966, the tortured, and in a semi-permissive environment, to expect thorough the spring of 1971, all of the most senior officers had the pent-up hatred and frustrations of the prisoners not to surface been in total isolation. For years many camps were run by more much more rapidly than in another environment. junior officers. Not being in command was an awkward position for me, for Guarino, for Render Crayton, Bill Lawrence, and Bill looked at the floor pensively as he assessed our comments, other ex-commanders. We had some good experience to draw for their injection into the evening meeting of the flight on, but in this group, we were very junior. commanders with the SRO. Difficult times lay ahead, for we were morally and mentally committed to an increasing pressure As this day drew to a close, a strange new phenomenon appeared. on the “V” until they returned Robbie and the group, as well as Ladders were placed against the outside of our building, and on Navy Commanders Ned Shuman and Ed Martin, who were the roof of the small lean-to attached to our room. Various “V” now being confined in hard living conditions in Heartbreak for turnkeys and guards sat on the roof, or stood on the ladder, their resistance posture. It was difficult for a prisoner to maintain looking info the room, and making notes on a piece of paper a rational link with reality. The newfound freedom had a tendency about the movements occurring in the room. to make us a little heady with emotion, as well as to push to the back of our minds the possibility of some severe punishing This interesting drill went on for several days, and amounted to reaction by the camp officials. the guard spying on our activities and reporting what “black schemes” the “creemenals” were up to. The notes provided the Quite a few of our room’s occupants had not taken the heavy basis for selecting certain officers from the room to go back into torture of the Zoo purge of 1969, the 1967 purge at the Hilton, hard living conditions in the future. or carried the burdens of the Alcatraz Gang. They failed to realize how quickly and how cruelly the “V” might spring into action Frequently, the guard did not have the faintest idea what was again. going on in the room. This was demonstrated when they removed two men from the room because they had been walking around The idea behind our actions was to obtain treatment as prisoners the room collecting the results of duplicate bridge scores. This of war under the Geneva Convention. In this situation, we had action on their part was as predictable as the vitamin pill to be passive and not riotous. Otherwise, our plans to improve phenomenon.

16 Valor - Issue 2 Food during this period was almost as dreadful as the Dark Age Another group was the jocks – hand standers, hand walkers, days, except that some greasy, vinegar-flavored Chinese sardines golfers. Almost, but not quite, the muscle bench crowd. The only were introduced into our diet. Tensions continued to mount and difference was in age and coordination. Occasionally, a 47-year- frictions built in outside contact with the “V” in the yard. The old, uncoordinated, un-muscular gent would decide that the room leadership declared that we would go on a food strike, greatest pastime for a 47-year-old man was doing handstands. refusing to eat until some of our grievances were resolved. This strike was counter-productive both in morale and effect to some The walkers were another special category, feeling the of the room members. Others heartily endorsed it. I was not big uncontrollable urge to circle the room continuously. Some would on self-starvation, nor were my former roommates from walk three or four hours at a time. I had an occasional liking for Heartbreak Hotel, and thought it counter-productive. We had the hiking mode myself. been exposed to the starvation problem there. Nevertheless, I backed the food strike wholeheartedly. Others occupied themselves by going under the blanket, and like Linus, developed a fantastic attachment for that rectangular piece The “V” reacted quickly, and violently. They immediately cut off of cloth. our supply of water, and unluckily, few people had a full cup of water to sustain them for the coming Many of the long-time solo types were period. When the “V” arrived with the also extra strange, as were some of the food, we began to chant, “No church, most highly-abused tough resisters. no eat! No church, no eat!” After two Several of the long-time solos had been days without food or water, the SRO confined alone for as many at 52 or 56 felt we had made our point and called months. Many of these were the old- off the strike. time hard-liners; that gutsy, strong willed, pro-Uncle Sam type who, because of During this period, we started classes in their “bad attitude” had seen little but Spanish, French, international relations, hard times for their now five and a half mathematics, beginner’s bridge, etc., years, or more, in confinement. which received an enthusiastic reception from all. Classes were attended by many Equally strange were some of the people who had a low interest level. An aerial reconnaissance photograph taken of the weaker resisters, or that group who had After being deprived of anything Hanoi Hilton complex in 1970. been quite intimidated and highly constructive for such a long time, most exploited. They had now developed guilt of us would attend anything, both out feelings. of a desire for self-improvement, and a determination not to let anything slip by unnoticed again. I found that I had developed an Our group was composed of Navy, Marine, and Air Force insatiable intellectual thirst. I wanted to know, to hear, or take officers. Most were pilots, and regular officers. An extremely part in every activity in the room. Although my voice is raspy and high percentage were Military or Naval academy graduates, and I have little talent for song, I even joined the choir. about 15 percent had master’s degrees. I was the only lawyer in camp, although there were several Navy officers who had attended One of my greatest pleasures was watching the activities of my the Naval Justice School. roommates, and how they now spent their days. The most painful adjustment to POW life is the transition from the high-speed, Almost every one of these officers had acquired some managerial highly interesting life of an American flyer to that of wasting an experience in his career. Many had, like me, spent hundreds of entire afternoon watching a lizard stalk and eat flies. hours calculating the dead-sure, guaranteed, and easy way to become a millionaire or entrepreneur in the real estate investment Categories of escape from reality mechanisms developed. There field. I was a natural source for hundreds of questions on was the memory group, who assimilated every piece of memory incorporation procedures, taxes, depreciation, etc. work possible, and walked around reciting over and over the same trivia, poetry, mathematical formulae, etc. plus attempting Now, with this whole room population, this incredible variety of to add to their repertoire of material. Many spent every waking people; picture a Communist private standing on a ladder outside moment in this mode. the room and looking in. Understanding not a word of English, and having a cultural deficiency that makes the Grand Canyon

Valor - Issue 2 17 look like a love letter on the Waikiki sand, he is preparing a report I went to the barred door, and he drew the back of his hand to his seniors about the “dark schemes” in the room. across his wrist several times, the signal to put on my long shirt. I suited up and went out to the lean-to attached to our building. It This lowly private sees men hand standing, others walking in would be a “greasy” quiz. circles. Some are playing bridge or chess, others looking at pictures from home. A few men are under a blanket. Many are either Bug was friendly, sympathetic, and sickening. I liked him when he teaching or attending a class in spherical trigonometry or French. screamed, “Creemenal! You keeled my mother!” I was It boggled my mind, boggled the “V”, and would have boggled comfortable with him then, because I knew he wanted something many a head-shrinker. the hard way. When he was greasy, he wanted something free.

I enjoyed the passing scene, the guard at the window, and snickered “Ah, Nigh,” he asked, “and what do you want today?” to myself about the chaos which was going to result from all this. Murphy’s Law was bound to happen. The camp commander “Nothing,” I replied, hoping to cut the quiz as short as possible. would take some action based on the information he was receiving. It occurred to me that “Nigh, the camp commander, if his actions were as fouled up in the spirit of the 4,000-year as the guard’s report, this had history of the Vietnamese the makings of an incredible people, has always shown kind fiasco. and humane treatment to creem-,” and he stopped Frequently, the guard would himself quickly before calling misconstrue some action in the me a “creemenal.” This was room. He would shout a really going to be greasy! mysterious command in Vietnamese meaning not to “Nigh, the camp commander continue. For this trouble, he got has received a letter from your a Bronx cheer or something family. He wants you to enjoy worse. We began marching the letter and the good treatment outside in formation, exercising of the camp.” in the yard by the numbers, in Finally - after six years in captivity, Bud Day reunites with his steadfast wife, Doris. an effort to get a quiz with the With that, he reached into the camp commander about the status of Robbie. As usual, our drawer of the dilapidated table and dropped a letter on the scarred efforts were unsuccessful. table top. The paper envelope looked starkly white against the grimy surface. He took each end of the letter and made circles Occasional packages and letters arrived. One of the real thrills on the table with it. He relished these times, knowing that my for every one of us was to see a colored picture of home, family mouth was watering to have some news of the Viking and the and country. children. This was my second letter from home in three and a half years. He knew I wanted it, and I knew he knew. Vietnamese guards were as curious as little children and loved to look disbelievingly at American pictures. When pictures from the “How many family do you have, Nigh?” He asked, knowing as U.S.A. were first distributed to the prisoners, the guards were well as I. My three letters written home in the last three months told that beautiful clothes, automobiles, and houses were posed had been addressed to Dorie and the four children. propaganda. Repetition of the opulence in America in picture after picture must have given the lie to this fiction, for the guards “Four,” I answered, knowing he knew there were five. soon stopped looking at the pictures and saying “propagandas.” He smiled knowingly, and pushed the letter across the table. My Reception of the occasional letter was a real production. The hands shook. It was not a real bright day, and my damaged eyes, Bug sent the Hawk to our front door and called my name in now 46 years old, did not function as they had in years gone by. Vietnamese. I tried to read the letter, but I just could not quite bring it into focus. Bug knew I had trouble trying to read without glasses. He “Nigh,” he shouted. had borrowed a pair so that I could read the last letter I received.

18 Valor - Issue 2 “I have to have some glasses to read this letter,” I announced. put them on, folded the letter and left it lying on the table. I walked back to the room wearing the glasses as if I owned them. “It is too bad for you, Nigh. You are old man in preeson, and I positioned myself where I could see outside. In a few minutes, now old, and you are blind. Maybe your wife will take a new Hack entered the compound, walked to the lean-to, picked up husband because you are creepulled.” the letter, and walked back out of the yard.

“I’ll bet you that is what happened,” I replied. “And she has I had a small bag made from the sleeve of a castoff shirt hanging probably gone to work for the CIA in the Pentagon.” I thought at the head of my place. I hid the glasses there. Bug did not that this would rattle the Bug’s cage a little, as he hated the great return all day. There were no calls for the glasses on the following triumvirate of the Pentagon, the CIA and Leedon Zhonson’s day, and I grew used to the idea that I had “had” the Bug. Except War with a passion. when our man was in the window, the glasses got a great deal of use. Happiness is a pair of glasses. However, today’s quiz was so greasy, he did not rise to the bait. Instead, he reached into a drawer and handed me a pair of flimsy The lenses were a great aid in magnifying pictures from home. framed glasses that would fit or be Our room was lighted by a single a little weak for most 45-to-48- light bulb of about 100 watts. It was year-old far-sighted fighter pilots. a dismal room, and for our aging group, many having suffered the I put them on, and mama’s strong beriberi days at Briar Patch, the firm hand popped through the blur. glasses were an absolute necessity. “Dearest Daddy. We are all well, Men saw children in their pictures happy and waiting for you. All kids whom they had never really seen do fine in school. You be proud.” before. It was a great lift to morale. I was staggered at how young and The letter was bland and sterile, for beautiful the Viking remained. the wives had learned that only sterile Guarino and Kasler were proud that letters, or bad news, got past the their wives, Evvie and Martha, were censors. Just as I began reading, Hack also vibrantly young-looking and looked in on Bug, who rose from George Day is presented with the Medal of Honor by beautiful. the table and walked out of the President in 1976. lean-to, out to the gate, and into the Kasler put our thoughts very aptly yard. I sat leisurely and read the remainder of the letter, re-read when he asked, “Can you imagine what our wives would look it, and noted that it was “only” six months old. like if they to work as hard as these water buffaloes (the “V” women) outside? Can you imagine Doris looking like this if she I had not been writing long enough to know personally, but were carrying a load of cement every day in this cold, semi- most prisoners felt that the letters were so spaced that the POW freezing weather? She would look older than your mother.” I could never really communicate with his family. He never got agreed. answers to his question, or the news was so old that it was meaningless. I believe the camp record was a two-year-old letter It was touching how much the children had grown. In one picture, received by John McCain. Doris had posed my oldest son in his spring clothes for a fall picture. He had grown at least three or four inches during the Now bad news was in a different category and traveled summer. He was fast losing his little boy look, taking on the remarkable quickly. A death in the family, an auto accident, divorce, accoutrements of puberty. I was gratified not to see him with severe sickness in the family. These letters could get to the POW hair down to his shoulders. I associated that hair style with the in three weeks, seldom more than five. Neither rain, nor snow, beatniks and peaceniks, and was unaware that longer hair was the nor dark of night could stop that bad news. The mail must get vogue. through. It was also interesting to find in another of my nine pictures that I re-read the letter for about the fourth time, took off the glasses the children were holding a couple of kittens which I had not and placed them on the table. I looked around. The compound distinguished before. One scene warmed my heart with a beautiful was empty, except for the latrine detail. I picked up the glasses, Peace rosebush in the background.

Valor - Issue 2 19 Roses are my favorite flower, and I had found it soothing many past, “When?” became even more of a burning question. times in the past to tend them. I developed good “hands” with roses, and their beauty triggered my relief valve. The totally unreasonable and cruel face of Communism, seen nose to nose each day, did more than anything to reinforce my I developed the ability to turn off thoughts of my family. I could belief in the military solution. These “V” pawns in the cruel game feel another wave of nostalgia sweeping over me. The onsurge of prison life were a simple extension of the hypocrisy and of self-pity at not seeing my family for three-and-a-half years absolute tyranny of the Communist system. It was clear that was near. Although signs were favorable that the military phase considerations such as prolonged deprivation, high death rate of of the war had been pointed in the right direction, it was still the “V” military, and military and economic losses short of near obvious that my jail sentence was open-ended. annihilation were not going to be effective against them.

It was a frequent prisoner The United States was firmly lament. “I would settle for a hung on the horns of guaranteed four-year dilemma; either ransom the sentence… or five”…. or POW, or apply a military some appropriate figure. I solution that would bring couldn’t stand much mental about a prisoner exchange. speculation on this point, for As I thought about the while it appeared that the motto, “Millions for defense, “V” victories were getting but not one cent for tribute,” closer and closer to Hanoi, I could not see a ransom as a there was still no evidence logical expectation. Neither that we were going to do could I see that a President anything but cool our heels of the United States, who for an indeterminate period had been elected for the of time. George “Bud” Day, wife Doris, and family at the 2002 dedication ceremony purpose of ending the war, of Col. Bud Day Field in Sioux City, Iowa. could possibly accomplish My natural optimism such a thing without the precluded an excess of this kind of thinking. I found those who massive use of military power. As I saw it, this wasn’t in the cards practiced it created a self-destructive weapon. There was almost either. I hated to waste my time thinking about this subject. It was no material reason for being an optimist. Every speculation of too dismal and too unrewarding. the past – this bombing halt, that negotiation, the 1968 elections on which so many hopes had ridden, the Paris Peace Conference, Instead, I tried to learn something about everyone in the room, every major subject on which the POW had hung an optimistic whether they interested me or not. I worked at additional bridge (but unrealistic) “go home” date – had been overtaken by events. lessons from my old roomie, Fe, and progressed from a rotten We optimists still had no convincing evidence that anything better bridge player to a lousy one. could be intelligently predicted. In fact, the more extreme the pessimist, the more times he had been right, and the more bets I was surprised to find that this was a stimulating game which, he had won. like many things in the past, I had tuned out and underrated, because I refused to take time to learn what it was all about. Dollar bets, bottle-of-scotch bets, room-wide pools, and even There were several good bridge players in the room who liquor-by-the-case bets had been won continually by the pessimists. performed yeoman service in standardizing the rules of play. Nevertheless, I preferred being a happier POW, if there were such a thing, than one of the continual doomsday soothsayers. I Theft of the glasses brought my contacts to a new high. I found felt comfort in what I believed was the inevitable, that one day that by showing an interest in people, they showed an interest in our country would realize they were dealing with a group of me. Those weak-eyed fellows particularly had a good reason for people who responded to only one thing – maximum and seeing more of me than would have been the case otherwise. overwhelming military force. They often brought all of their pictures, and some had many, and I obtained a lot of family information that was interesting Inside, I felt positive that the pure military solution would come and time consuming. After release, it was a surprise for the wives along, but the burning question was, “When?” As the years inched to have total strangers recognize them by name.

20 Valor - Issue 2 Unfortunately, the use of the glasses had to be covert. People at a time, two by two, or three or four at a time. The yard would had to block the guard’s view or watch for him so that we would fill up with guards, the transfers would be accompanied by large not be caught with them in our possession and lose them. Little squads armed with hand grenades and automatic weapons and did I know that my wife mailed me nine pairs of glasses during an awesome show of force. The fangs began to show again! my imprisonment. I never received a pair. If not for the great “glasses robbery,” there would have been no glasses available to Oblivious to the new trend, our tough guy shouted an obscene the “creemenals” because this was an area in which the “people” remark about Ho Chi Minh while out of doors, and was were not “lenient and humane.” unceremoniously smashed to the ground by the “V” and jerked out of the compound. In my opinion, this put the finishing touches Incidents in the yard kept tensions high, and our determination to a “V” plan to purge all the trouble-makers from the camp. It to continue to demand release of our seniors, and receive was the straw that broke the camel’s back, according to me, and treatment as provided by the Geneva Convention, kept the was to destine many of us to a long siege of the old way of life. discontent between POWs and the camp at a The nature and timing of the remark were high level. One of my cellmates made it a completely unreal in the threatening practice to bump into the guards in the environment of the time. courtyard for the purpose of antagonizing them. While his resistance posture had not Our new tough guy was dragged next door seemed particularly high in the past, he seemed and soundly thrashed by some incensed “V” to get tougher as the days went by without with a fan belt. His whimpering, whining, any reprisals. In the perfect 20/20 vision of begging apologies were a long way from his hindsight, it seems that someone should have tough guy act. It followed that plenty of our talked to him and suggested backing off a little. secrets were to be compromised when the “V” His actions were getting more forceful as the began exploitive torturing him, and this was weeks went by. He had been quite highly 100 percent true. Pathetically, he was entirely exploited for propaganda, and naturally, sought out of step during his POW career. When the to even some old scores. demand for strength was at its highest, he was weak. Conversely, when the demand for Very soon after pulling Colonel Risner and passive pressure was highest, he was obscenely company from the room, a conciliatory event imprudent. occurred. After the evening Hanoi Hannah news, Soft Soap Fairy began a broadcast for the camp commander. SSF solemnly announced, “It has always been the To order copies of Duty, Honor, Country, write, phone, policy of the DRV to permit religious service, and religious fax, or e-mail: freedom is a well known policy for all people across the DRV. Always the leadership of the DRV has supported church services, American Hero, INC. and therefore, American pilots will be permitted to have 15- 32 Beal Parkway, S.W. minute church services. However, it cannot be used for black Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548-5391 schemes, and it cannot be used to scheme against camp authorities.” Phone: 850-243-1234 Fax: 850-664-5720 Such hypocrisy was a daily occurrence in our relations with the E-mail: [email protected] Commies. Only a Commie can mistreat churchgoers on one had, www.colbudday.com and then announce a regard for religion on the other. In recent years, Col. George Day has continued his service on behalf of This was a minor victory, but it did not get our men back, and it America’s veterans by fighting to restore the lifetime medical care that had was the case of being thrown a crumb when a loaf of bread been promised to, but taken away from, military retirees. For his heroism in would barely suffice. We were able to make occasional, but good Vietnam, his dedication to our veterans, and his service to America, Col. contact with Colonel Flynn who took the reins and began George “Bud” Day will be presented with the inaugural Joe Ronnie Hooper operating the camp. Award at the American Veterans Center’s Ninth Annual Conference on November 11, 2006. The results of the guard in the window began to pay off. Day by VALOR day, our more senior officers were pulled out of the room, one

Valor - Issue 2 21 VietnaM The Long Journey Home A New Documentary from Lou Reda Productions Reviewed by Robert Vaughn

Robert Vaughan is a retired Army Warrant Officer (CW-3) with three of the incline, our faces taut with trepidation and repressed tours in Vietnam where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the memories, our eyes brimming with tears, as we summon Air Medal with the V for valor, the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Service the courage to walk down into that hollow to commune Medal, and the Purple Heart. with absent comrades. When we speak, if we speak at all, it is in a quiet whisper, for we are in a hallowed place. We It is often difficult to discern where art leaves off and real- reach up with trembling fingers to touch a name, and at the ity begins. Then, as you think about it, you realize there is moment we touch it, that person is as alive and as real to no line of demarcation. Art is, and always has been, the us as the last time we shared a can of C-rations, or ducked heart and soul of reality, and never has this been more evi- under the whopping blades of a helicopter, or slapped at dent than in the documentary film, “Vietnam – The Long mosquitoes in the sweltering Vietnam nights. Journey Home.” This masterpiece of storytelling, presented by Lou Reda productions, captures the raw emotion of one For forty years now, the coded greeting among Vietnam of the most tumultuous period of our history, and will stand Veterans has been “Welcome Home, Brother.” That is be- as a hallmark for all future documentaries dealing with Viet- cause there were no bands to greet us, no welcome home nam. parades – not even a Congressional “Thank You,” when the peace accords were signed in 1973, and all American In this film, we learn that not all the wounds are visible. combat operations ceased. But, at long last, there was some There are no Purple Hearts given to soldiers who have closure of sorts in the summer of 2005, when over 20,000 scarred souls. For too many, the nightmares have not gone Vietnam Veterans gathered in Branson, Missouri for the away, not only for those who fought the war...but for their homecoming we never received. families, the wives and children who are still dealing with the consequences. We are gray haired now, most with a slight paunch, many of us still carrying the wounds in body and spirit we re- Lou Reda has produced a film of tremendous impact. I say ceived from that terribly divisive war. But for a few days this, not as an opinion, but as an observation, validated by last summer we renewed acquaintances with friends we the fact that I am a Vietnam Veteran with three tours “in had not seen in forty years. And during those few days of country.” Archival footage from Lou Reda’s massive film homecoming, we were young again, wearing flak jackets library shows images of battles fought in the jungles of and carrying M-16s, drinking warm beer and sharing sto- Vietnam, juxtaposed against the shrill, VC-flag-waving pro- ries of events that are as fresh in our minds as if they had testers in the streets at home. We see young men going to occurred last night. war as wide-eyed innocents; then returning – alone – with the “thousand-yard stare” of bloodied veterans who must The homecoming was a catharsis for those of us who served face their own demons. But the real power of the film is in our country, honorably, bravely, proudly, only to come home the powerful, and gut-wrenching interviews of these same to an unappreciative nation. This “must see” film, will be men today, as they struggle to heal their emotional wounds a catharsis for the rest of the country. And as a Vietnam and put the nightmares behind them. Veteran, I say, in all sincerity, “Thank you Lou Reda, for this magnificent documentary.” Since its dedication in 1982, the Vietnam Wall has been our most visible symbol. But the truth is that, for most of Lou Reda Productions is internationally recognized as one of this nation’s out- us, the wall is so traumatic that we can only manage one standing documentary filmmakers, having been nominated for multiple Emmys. visit. I’m sure you have seen us there, standing at the head Vietnam: The Long Journey Home will premiere at the American Veterans Center’s Ninth Annual Conference, and will soon be airing on television across the country VALOR 22 Valor - Issue 2 The History and the Legacy New & Classic Books on Vietnam

Naked in Da Nang The Big Story A Forward Air Controller in Vietnam How the American Press and Television Reported By Mike Jackson and tara Dixon-Engel and Interpreted the Crisis of Tet 1968 in Vietnam MBI Publishing Co.; 302 pages and Washington By Peter Braestrup In Vietnam forward air controllers (FACs) flew low Presidio Press; 632 pages and slow, searching for signs of an illusive enemy. Of- ten they trolled themselves as bait for the NVA troops Throughout modern American history, a strong un- to try to shoot down. When a friendly unit made con- dercurrent of animosity has existed between the news tact, having a FAC overhead made the ground troops’ media and the military. On one side, the media seem day because the FACs controlled the bomb-, rocket-, to be overly suspicious of the American military’s and napalm-laden “fast movers”-fighter jets and attack motives, and quick to pass judgment before the facts aircraft whose ordinance often made the difference be- are in. On the other side, the military is often times tween life and death. very secretive and slow pass information along to the press. The genesis of this tension can be traced to This was Mike Jackson’s life for 366 days. In spring of 1972 he hugged Vietnam, where many believe that the media, espe- the DMZ fighting back against the massive NVA attack that became cially TV newsmen, actively worked against the war effort, eroding sup- known as the Easter Offensive. He also was part of the around-the-clock port at home while providing key morale support for the enemy forces. team of FACs who managed the rescue of BAT-21, immortalized in the Gene Hackman-Danny Glover movie of the same name. FACs like Mike Of any even in the Vietnam War, the 1968 Tet Offensive had the greatest Jackson were fighter trained and schooled in the art of jungle survival, impact on this debate. It is almost universally accepted today that Tet ground combat tactics, and air-to-ground operations. To survive fight- resulted in a tremendous defeat for Communist forces. However, at the ing against North Vietnam’s varsity, the NVA of I Corps, Jackson needed time, its effects, and the reporting on it, led to the erosion of support at all of his training and talent, along with a healthy dose of luck, to sur- home which caused the eventual American pullout from Vietnam. Though vive. As the title suggests, however, Naked in Da Nang is not an angst- many believe victory was at hand in the few years following the Tet Offen- ridden account of mortal combat. The humor is often dark, serving to sive, the impact of Tet caused a war weariness that caused many Ameri- sharpen its comic edge. Irreverent, independent, and sometimes cynical, cans to tune out successes in Vietnam. Mike Jackson’s compelling “you-are-there” prose and his colorful story telling makes for captivating reading. Braestrup’s classic work casts blame on all sides of the argument, and is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the role of the news media in the war in Vietnam, and beyond. Pleiku The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam By J.D. Coleman Sock it To ‘em, Baby St. Martin’s Mass Market Paperback; 332 pages Forward Air Controller in Vietnam They were the originals, the first air assault division in By Garry Cooper & Robert Hillier the history of the U.S. Army. Their job was to test the Allen & Unwin; 336 pages innovative airmobile concept and break, once and for all, the Army’s traditional dependence on surface trans- Garry Cooper shares many of his experiences from port. the Vietnam War where, as an Australian air control- ler, he was posted to the U.S. Army’s 9th Infantry From general to private, they pioneered the use of heli- Division in Vietnam in 1968, and was soon a legend copter combat in Vietnam. Through trial by fire, they to his peers. This biography details why Cooper was tested and proved their ideas, their strategies, their equipment, and them- called a war hero by those he served with as well as selves - winning America’s first major victory against North Vietnam. how he was nominated for some of the highest U.S. military awards possible but never received them, in- The 1st Air Cavalry was their division. Pleiku was their campaign. This is cluding the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and their story, told by a man who was part of it, drawn from duffel-bagfuls Army Commendation Medal. of captured enemy documents, in-depth research, and dramatic eyewit- ness accounts. In this work, Cooper and co-author Robert Hillier (who served in the Royal Australian Navy during Vietnam), demonstrate the valuable, and Pleiku has been dubbed a “must read” by none other than Lt. General all-too-often overlooked, contribution of Australians to the war effort Harry W.O. Kinnard, first commander of the 1st Air Cavalry Division, in Vietnam. and should be on the bookshelf of any student of airmobile warfare.

All books available at bookstores and online at Amazon.com Valor - Issue 2 23 Committee Sponsors Event for the Legion of Valor

On July 2, the American Veterans Center, parent organization of the National Vietnam Veterans Committee, sponsored a reception in honor of the men of the Legion of Valor at the historic Army & Navy Club in Washington, DC.

The Legion of Valor was established in 1890 by a group of Civil War and Indian War Campaign vet- erans who were recipients of the Medal of Honor. In later years, membership was extended to those who were decorated with the Distinguished Ser- vice Cross, Navy Cross, and Air Force Cross. The Legion of Valor works to cherish the memories of the valiant deeds of those who were awarded the nation’s highest awards for military valor, as National Vietnam Veterans Committee president James C. Roberts (left) is thanked by George M. Malone, current National Commander well as stimulate patriotism in the minds of of the Legion of Valor, for sponsoring the reception. Malone was America’s youth and build pride in our armed awarded the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism while serving forces. with the Marine Corps in Vietnam. The National Vietnam Veterans Committee is proud to support the Legion of Valor in their mis- sion to preserve the legacy of America’s greatest heroes. VALOR

National Vietnam Veterans Committee NONPROFIT ORG. A Project of The American Studies Center U.S. POSTAGE PAID 1030 15th St., NW, Suite 856 WALDORF, MD PERMIT NO. 30 Washington, D.C. 20005