Virginia Lee Dornheggen's interview for the Veterans History Project at Atlanta History Center

Рет қаралды 106,580

Күн бұрын

Catalog Number: VIS 201.480
In this interview, Virginia Lee Deardorff Dornheggen relates her experiences as a United States Army nurse in Vietnam. She describes her family’s involvement in World War II and other influences that informed her decision to become a nurse. She describes her education and enlistment in the Army. She details her training and arrival in Vietnam. She describes her duties and experiences at the 67th Evac Hospital. She relates experiences she had on leave and how they relieved stress. She recounts arriving home and her subsequent career and family. She discusses Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and how she copes with hers.

Пікірлер: 205

@terrysteward6765 2 жыл бұрын

I was injured in Iraq from multiple gun shot wounds. Nurses like you and the great doctors saved my life. You probably do not realize how much you, and the other nurses, are loved and admired by those of us you helped save. Thank you!

@user-fk3ol3wp6f Жыл бұрын

THIS IS ONE TOTAL CLASS LADY TO THE MAX-- OUR COUNTRY IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE HER IN IT. THE NURSES DESERVE ALL THE RECOGNIITION THEY CAN BE GIVEN.

@kathleenlavery5724 2 жыл бұрын

Dear Ginny, Thank you for your service. I was an Army Nurse at the 67th Evac in 1967 and 68 during the TET offensive. Everything you spoke about the hospital brought back so many memories I have. Even the Medcap visit to the leper colony which I also visited. I worked in ICU and recovery. I still get emotional telling people about my experience there. I never spoke to anyone about being there for over 20 yrs. when I first got back. Everything you said about the friendships you had there are so true. I kept in touch with many of my friends there for many years. I am also proud I served there and have never found another nursing experience like what I experienced there. God bless you.

@kengrimsley4172 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service, Kathleen. I am sure you touched many lives, more than you know.

@motorcop505 Жыл бұрын

God bless you Kathleen ☤ 🇺🇸

@johndalessandro6433 5 ай бұрын

Kathleen, WELCOME HOME AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!! I served during the end of the Cold War and Desert Storm. It humbles me, but is truly an honor to call you my " big Sister" in arms. Hearing many Nurses stories that served in Vietnam, I am in Awe of your Bravery, Strength, and how damn good a job you women did over there. The fact that you gals did what you did to protect our troops during a attack is true heroism! The fact that many of you held the hand of a G.I. as he died so they would not be alone breaks my heart, but I would be willing to bet it meant the world to the Gold Star Families. I urge you to share your stories, at least to your loved ones. I tell anyone who wants to know about Vietnam to hear the Nurses Stories also. I hope to meet one of you someday. I would hope you would give me the honor to Salute you, and also give you the biggest hug!!! It is because of the Medics/Corpsman in the field, the Helicopter Crews, nd the Medics , Doctors and Nurses at the hospitals you served at that so many G.I. did come home. The Wall would be twice as long had it not been for you all. You not only inspire Women, you inspire all Americans!!❤

@karinpennington8842 2 ай бұрын

My hubs was at the 67th supply sgt

@karinpennington8842 2 ай бұрын

Thank you to all vietnam nurses

@susana301301 Жыл бұрын

As a veteran of Iraq/Afghanistan I was completely touched by your Vietnam experience, thank you!

@donaldjones7678 2 жыл бұрын

I was a grunt in Vietnam 1971. Great job Lt. Dornheggen!

@kengrimsley4172 Жыл бұрын

Angel of Mercy and True American Hero. Thank you for your service. Ginny must have been the best ER nurse on Earth when she got back stateside.

@lifegvr333 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you,Ginny for expressing how many of us felt and couldn't say.I served at the 106th evac burn center in Japan68-69 and carried the soldiers I cared for many years and to this day I do not like the sound of a helicopter.Bless you for helping our young people know about this time and thank you for your service.

@willmears1111 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service to our country. A fellow Vietnam Veteran I Corp. Phu Bai/Hue/Khe Sanh 1967-1969

@RealLifeWorthLiving 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, Ginny. I am from Hagerstown, MD, just fifty miles from your hometown. We lived at Sharpsburg for a few years, also, when I was young and we had the same tradition of having a parade and decorations as an elementary school student at Sharpsburg school (K-6). When I graduated from North Hagerstown High School, I joined the Army and also went to Viet Nam and spent the whole year of 1969 at Cu Chi and Lai Khe. Ironically, we both now live in Georgia. God bless you, thank you for your wonderful service as an Army nurse.

@permasealfinishing1273 Жыл бұрын

Listened to 100’s of these war stories- you are the first female and I’m loving you! You look like a badass nurse!!!

@Rubno3 10 ай бұрын

You are a true hero.Thanks for your service.Canada.

@danmurphy4472 4 жыл бұрын

And by the way.......ALL you Nurses are TOTAL AMERICAN HERO'S !!

@robertr6675 Жыл бұрын

I was forward observer, 2 LT, 173rd Airborne Brigade, wound May ’68. Wish we could meet and swap stories. Evac QuinNohn. woke up in Hawaii.! As vet to vet, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. WELCOME HOME. I live Detroit now. Happily married.

@generalkaffenberger8675 Жыл бұрын

OUTSTANDING

@pamnichols7877 Жыл бұрын

❤Ginny, you have such a wonderful story, which moved me to tears. I’m so honored to have listened to your life in the military and your civilization life. I was born in 1964, and remember images on tv as a child. I always wanted to be an Army nurse, however, that dream didn’t come true. I’ve been a nurse since 1983. I’m now pushing 40 years and I’ve watched, read books, and have been captivated by the Vietnam veterans documentaries, and I’m always moved emotionally. The nurses stores are so moving, and I can only thank you for your service and I’m grateful for you sharing your story! I will make it to the Vietnam wall one day. My father was a combat medic in the Korean War and just passed away 3 years ago. It wasn’t until he was older that he shared his “ nine months of frozen hell living in a foxhole “. So, I have so much respect and pride in our military. God sent you to do your job, clearly with passion, and God brought you home. Thank you!!!!!! Peace and Blessings to you and your family!!! Welcome Home! ❤

@simonhellier7281 4 жыл бұрын

Incredible experiences aged only 22. The guys were fortunate to have you and your colleagues. Thank you for your service.

@donaldpaterson5827 3 жыл бұрын

Sending this to my Grandaughter who is joining the TA (National Guard) as a Nurse moving on the the U.K. army.

@traumamama2007 Жыл бұрын

My brother’s war was Vietnam. Mine was Afghanistan - as an Army Nurse. I so relate to so much of what you’ve told. God bless you, Ginny, for the care you gave to my Vietnam Veteran friends. I’m glad you mentioned finally starting your healing. I’m not there yet, but maybe one day.

@tiglu05 Жыл бұрын

Bravery; patriotism; dedication; sincerity. Where does America find people like Ginny? Ginny, you are such an inspiration

@jimmccall6130 2 жыл бұрын

Ginny is the epitome of “angels of mercy” that follows the Army Nurse Corps. God bless you and keep you, welcome home and thank you for your service.

@fbigburg 3 жыл бұрын

your touch saved as many lives as the medicines and surgery, thank you.

@3zajp3rd 5 жыл бұрын

had a lump in my throat the whole interview. my hat is off to this soldier. thank you.

@Jxsurfer90 4 жыл бұрын

Thank You Virginia, You are an Angel!! Welcome Home Soldier!!

@billread2644 2 жыл бұрын

I kpp

@mommom75 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your time. You are such an eloquent speaker. Thank you for caring for people in Vietnam and for the rest of your career. Navy daughter. USAF veteran wife.

@johndalessandro6433 5 ай бұрын

I had to watch Mrs. Dornheggen's interview again. Such a beautiful, brave compassionate woman. These Nurses were just as brave and tough as any of the wounded they healed. In some ways they endured even more. GOD BLESS them all!!

@johndalessandro6433 5 ай бұрын

Imagine how she and other Nurses spent thier day off 2+ miles away,no security,to care for people with leprosy!! I cry so many times during her and other Nurses interviews. When that soldier said that Ms. America couldn't hold a candle to her. I beleive every word of that!! She is a very attractive woman, such pretty eyes. But, to him it was so much more I would imagine. Every nurse interview I seen was beautiful!! So young, and they felt old next to the soldiers. She is also a PA girl so she gets props for that haha. I just admire these Women so much. They don't just inspire young ladies. They inspire me also. I bet with all the soldier Vets there at the Wall , those Nurses were safer than the President himself!! If you never been to the WALL go see it. The Nurses memorial was to the right of the Wall. If you follow along the wall from Left to right....keep going on that sidewalk and you should see it. Also, check out the Korean Memorail. The looks on the faces of the broze statues in the grass is haunting!! Very well done.

@c5back9 4 жыл бұрын

Dear Ginny, you are an inspiration and a wonderful soul. God Bless you, and thanks for the kindness and care you provided to our boys under such dreadful circumstances. Additionally, thanks for standing tall by facing your duty head-on and doing your level best to help protect our amazing republic even when it appeared that our leaders weren’t as committed as you. And more recently for helping today’s youth gain a better understanding of some of the sacrifices endured for them and future generations of Americans. To you and all veterans, take care, and thanks so very much!!!

@Matlockization 3 жыл бұрын

I never imagined that I would get drawn into this lady's nursing experience in Vietnam.

@KryterionOnline 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service, Ginny. I only planned to watch a few minutes. 90 minutes later, here I am...deeply moved.

@glennbrymer4065 4 жыл бұрын

God bless you. Your stories sure triggered memories from so long ago. I will never forget all the nurses that treated & helped me. You were my saviors. Army nurses. You all did awesome things. Thank you.

@montanan53 3 ай бұрын

Every RVN RN I ever worked with as a CRNA (of RVN and Desert Storm) has my utter respect. Sincerely. RVN 72-73, Thailand 73-74, ODS 91. I'm glad for our service and our choice to forge onward.

@beckycottrellbabazam3 4 жыл бұрын

Your experience in country should be a learning tool for all nurses in the United States .... and I hope I speak for everyone by saying Thank you and God Bless 💜🙏

@davidallen4552 3 жыл бұрын

GOD BLESS YOU SISTER. You ladies are our Angles

@russellellingworth4851 5 жыл бұрын

I was a trained combat army medic in the service, 1969 to 1971 Virginia did a wonderful interview Brought back memories

@jamesa.7604 5 жыл бұрын

Thank You So Much For Your Service Too. Welcome Home!

@glennbrymer4065 4 жыл бұрын

Welcome home brother. I served 69/71 also. Was retired out at Ft. Sam. It was greatly fascinating, after growing up on war movies & military tv series. To be laying on the ground badly hurt and to hear the call Medic! and the echo as the call is passed around man to man. Those are tense moments, then your medic appears with his bag. Thank you for your service man. Unit medics & field nurses in the hospitals and the flight nurses on the medivac flight back to the world. I remember you all. Thank you.

@elainecragel4647 4 жыл бұрын

@@glennbrymer4065 Virginia is the best. My father, his brother, and sister served in WWIi. Welcome home, and all of you are hero's. Thank you for your service and sacrifice, and what you went through. God Bless.

@djholliday5132 11 ай бұрын

Ginny is a phenomenal woman. Her testimony is so moving. The history of Vietnam MUST be shared. I truly thank every American veteran from the bottom of my heart. Bless you all.

@sluzardo5879 2 ай бұрын

Amazing Story, so glad she has a full life and loving Family... God Bless..

@cugir321 3 жыл бұрын

One of the best video's for an army nurse.

@alangeddes268 9 ай бұрын

No words say enough so my simple Thank you from a Vietnam vet.

@multitieredinvestor183 3 жыл бұрын

Did two Vietnam tours 65-66, 69-70. Proud of that, but most proud of our children and two granddaughters. One, a special needs teacher, the other a newly NCLEX passed Registered Nurse.

@Manhunter8922 10 ай бұрын

I have been watching these videos a lot lately and I am so glad that these woman who have severed on country and took care of our soldiers are finally getting the recognition that they so proudly deserve. I just wish that it sooner because their part in military history should be known. Thank you.

@jerrycampbell6181 2 жыл бұрын

GOD BLESS YOU, For being you an for your SERVICE of a lifetime, You are an Angel !!!

@kittmiller2212 4 жыл бұрын

Nurse Ginny, Thank You for your service, You are a wonderful soul.

@scottfinney7992 3 жыл бұрын

OA true angel and American, thank you for taking care of my brothers in arms. I was good until she lost it a bit on writing home to the moms and dads while they were dying, that was it for me. Thank you for sharing your story.

@silasmarner7586 Жыл бұрын

Indeed. If I could save one US military life for all the tears I have shed they'd all be alive. What an amazing woman she is.

@medic13601 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service

@waynegibson8799 2 жыл бұрын

Special Lady. Thank you for your service.

@charlesbrooks9577 3 жыл бұрын

GOD BLESS THIS WOMAN AND THE OTHERS THAT WERE THERE TO HELP WITH THE INJURED AND DYING.

@sgtcrab2569 Жыл бұрын

US Army 65-68. Wonderful story. Thank you.

@TheRod8888 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome lady wonderful human being thank you for your service

@prmath 2 жыл бұрын

Ms Ginny, you are one of Gods angels. I was in Saigon ‘68 Tet. The navy put two of us in the Annapolis Hotel and told us…”stay put until we call for you” Very interesting those few days from atop that building. God bless you 🙏🏼🌹🇺🇸🙏🏼

@robertbrink2240 Жыл бұрын

Proud to be a fellow Vietnam vet. The comment section is full of praise for you. I don't know what to add. Welcome home!

@colemcclain7319 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service, compassion, strength , bravery!!!!!

@marinegrunt6633 4 жыл бұрын

so caring and compassionate ....I salute you and thank you so much for your service....

@beccab7522 8 ай бұрын

I loved hearing your story & experiences!! Thank you, hearing your kind soft spoken voice I am sure that calmed many seriously injured soldiers. Very nice to hear about your story & thank you for sharing!

@josephanderson7237 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your Service and dedication. God bless you. Welcome home.

@elwyrick 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for the time taking care of these young men and women. From your story, it is clear you mm made a huge difference in the lives of those you cared for. Regarding your thoughts about the Vietnamese not caring, you are right on the sense that most were not interested on this war. The majority wanted independence. We participated in the decision to cancel the planned elections in 1955 because Ho Chi Minh would have won in both the north and south. President Eisenhower said exactly that. Ho Chi Minh was their George Washington who had gotten rid of the French. The average Vietnamese did not ask for us to be there. But, we were there and your service for our troops was incredibly important.

@robertscutt2904 2 жыл бұрын

God Bless This Angel, 🙏🏻 Nursing Is A Saintly Calling For Ginny. I'm Glad This Beautiful Woman Is Living The Life. 🙏🏻🇺🇲

@simonhellier7281 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful lady. Very pragmatic view of a challenging situation.

@brightman2011 Жыл бұрын

Marvelous interview. Thank you Ginny for your service and your ability to articulate your experiences in such a meaningful way.

@davidknudson6382 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service from a Vietnam Air Force Veteran 1967/1968 in TSN - 377th SPS. Never needed your service but was always grateful that you and your teams were always there if needed.

@FreedomDave-ci2gs 3 күн бұрын

I was blown up in March 68 and these angels kept me alive. I had married 2 weeks before going over. In February she said she thought she was pregnant. The desire to survive was increased but it was increased by these angels and I know I would not have made it. I did go to Yokohama before being sent back to the world. Those angels worked with me for months my wife and I can never repay them.

@cameronhansen3775 2 жыл бұрын

Virginia, wonderful story you shared and thank you for your service!!

@edpritchard3001 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service and the care you gave to our soldiers

@mp7598 4 жыл бұрын

Love her story! Thank you for your Service!!

@jacobsladder6715 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service 🙏 Pennsylvania tough ❤

@samalw 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Ginny! I am a Vietnam veteran (C-130 Nav) ‘70-‘71 and was fascinated by your most interesting story. Would love to have met you. Al Wilson

@kikupub71 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Mrs. Dornheggen. You all were angels.

@jamesb7651 11 ай бұрын

Such a beautiful soul with a caregiver's heart. If I'd run across her 45 years ago, I would have proposed on the spot.

@martaandrodger8742 Ай бұрын

Thank you for service and your compassion for all the wounded victims. You have a great heart and may God bless you.

@gv1967 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service and God bless you immensely.

@nightknight1750 Жыл бұрын

You are a hero. Huge respect.

@haroldbyrd7399 Жыл бұрын

You have brought tears, my life was saved at Tay Ninh, May 04 68. Most wonderful people. It was so hot I was placed in the floor to free up a bed. God bless you!!the most amazing people I evsaseverer

@slyflyby 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Virginia for your service and WELCOME HOME !

@danmurphy4472 4 жыл бұрын

Thank You Miss. Dornheggan for your Service and Dedication to our Country during a very difficult time.....Much Respect and Pride for all you Nurses !!.......You Nurses saved A LOT of Soldiers and you will never be forgotten !!.....God Bless ALL of you and WELCOME HOME !!

@melrose795 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service Ginny, I really enjoyed your story...Welcome home..❤️

@gcrauwels941 4 жыл бұрын

An Angel. No other words.

@mrsamzero1 3 жыл бұрын

Love hearing you tell of your experience. I know exactly what you are talking about. 68-69 HHC, 1st BDE, 1St CAV. Sometimes "thank you for your service" just doesn't seem to be enough. Maybe it's just the years and society waited too long to come around.

@41546able Жыл бұрын

A true American Hero. The nurses of Nam were the best ladies that the world gave us. Semper Fi.

@MegaDeansy Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad that I clicked onto this, what a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting lady !. I googled and you can see photos of her in uniform and apart from being stunnjngly beautuful, she has (what we say here in Scotland) an 'impish wee smile' and I bet she was top of everyone's party-invite list !

@fuzznakano Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your brave service. I really enjoy listening to the nurses because the ones I’ve seen are such great communicators. Again thank you for your very brave service in a very difficult situation.

@jamesconner3437 Жыл бұрын

Another amazing woman ... As a Vietnam vet I have found myself "re-living" those days through some absolutely honest stories here on You Tube I never really thought I would enjoy re-living those days, but it is ...well, therapeutic. My reaction to the male soldier interviews are like ".truth being told here , that's the way it was." But the nurse-soldiers make me emotional for them - what we put these nurses thru is like my Chicago ER on the weekends, but every day. Respect.

@jefree6960 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for service and how you took care of all those badly injured boy's. I feel for you what you had to go through. I know what it's like when you have a rocket attack and have to hold your chest so hard that your heart won't jump out. I was there in 71&72 with 101th Airborne and 1st aviation brigade. I also have a picture video called (Vietnam 1971 & 72 101th Airborne Camp Eagle) I hope you get a chance to watch it and give a thumbs up. Please share and maybe one of my old buddies may see it and try to get in contact with me. And hard licker and drugs was our to get out of the moment. And I wasn't a hard licker drinker and I stopped drinking beer because I got food poisoning and was sick for 3 weeks. But never used hard drugs but grass yes. Well enough. Well thanks for your service

@rickmeloche2997 Ай бұрын

Ginny , your amazing thank you so much for your service I've enjoyed your story very much . ❤ xoxo

@jacobhelfrich4763 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service. Great testimonial to all medics corpmen Dr and nurses who served in Vietnam .

@cerny4444 3 жыл бұрын

You are an absolutely incredible woman. Words can’t express how great of a job you did.

@gaylawhorton9147 3 жыл бұрын

Most amazing interview

@1995jug 3 жыл бұрын

Thank God for a Angle like you the guys and gals were so lucky to have you looking after them you deserve lot more than you got.

@andyb.1026 Жыл бұрын

Could you please do a basic simple sound check ~ your voice level is spot on ~ the Star of the show I can Hardly hear

@billpardy7271 4 жыл бұрын

thanks 4 talking about ptsd, a hard road 2 travel.

@stephenbrower4216 Жыл бұрын

God Bless you Virginia and all that you do, did, and who you are .

@lindajones8895 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. Welcome Home. I've learned so much from you. You made it easier for me when I joined the Navy. ❤️❤️ I was so honored to see the Women's Vietnam Memorial it was beautiful. I saluted and cried.

@forthehellofit5544 2 жыл бұрын

Ginny, You are miss America to me. Really. God bless you!

@angiestauffer2562 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service! 🇺🇸

@ericgibson2079 Жыл бұрын

Thankyou Virginia- God Bless You and the ones you love and all you have helped and help today! Thank You Atlanta History Project- Thank You America for stepping up and getting more and more oral's recorded. These will help our country and our wonderful trust in God above...

@JlhIncExcavation 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your story and your time taking care of GIs

@jamesa.7604 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for Volunteering to Serve

@stevewalker4638 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your service..

@pj61114 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for telling your story.

@tykellerman6384 3 жыл бұрын

Incredible I’ve just had the privilege to actually listen to an angel 🤠👍

@ronsbeerreviewstools4361 3 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME IN UNIFORM OF OUR GREAT COUNTRY. WELCOME HOME !. MERRY CHRISTMAS 2020

@joesphbest3120 4 жыл бұрын

Thank You, I was at Alpha Med at Phu Bia 65 & 66

@marinegrunt6633 4 жыл бұрын

was with L Co. 3dBn, 4thMar for a month before going up north....was treated at A Med for a torn ligament in my knee...

@vickiroberts428 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful lady and thank you 🙏❤️🇺🇸

@752brickie 3 жыл бұрын

Gettysburg is one of my most favorite places in the world. If anyone is ever there go stay at the Lightner Farmhouse B&B. You will not be disappointed!

@paulp7365 4 жыл бұрын

In the most respectful way, you are such a cutie in looks, and personality. I will bet that you turned into a "can do" nurse very quickly in country. As an MSC from '67-'70, you brought back so many smiles and remembrances of events while relating similar ones. We were able to have responsibilities far beyond others our age that were civilians. My experiences were so valuable to me that I often say, "I should have paid the government", when people recognize my service.

@SandfordSmythe Жыл бұрын

" Such as cutie" try that to an Army nurse.