This man is the definition of “alright fine, I’ll do it, but I won’t like it”

I'm addicted to these interviews now. What a range of experiences. I like this guy, very unlike some of the other interviews but he is so sharp and a bit cynical about the whole thing. Thank you for preserving all of their voices. Glad they came back to tell the tale.

He didn't ask to go but he went, he's honest about what he did and didn't like and with his observations. As I watch this series, I see everybody's experience and how they saw the war was different. So many of these kids came back home damaged, unthanked, and the only attention they got was so negative they kept it inside for years. Calling out this man as a "libtard" and "nutcase" is not only wrong it's unforgivable. A man who took part in and fought in an awful war is sharing his experience with you, that takes guts, shame on the people posting negative comments

I've listened to many of these stories from those who served. Every one of them are compelling, edge of your seat type stuff. Almost any given one of the experiences these men had could be a major Hollywood movie. I very grateful for the effort made to preserve these stories. Thank you.

I’m not going to step into any debate on this vet’s perspective, because I also served from August, 1962 to February, 1970. East Berlin’s predicament was our focus as right out of high school that was the world’s focus and nuclear war. But I got sent from Oregon after 6 1/2 years to Panama because they had drained the west coast of men and equipment for some place called Vietnam. Our mission was protecting the west coast from nuclear attack. What the heck was Vietnam? So for the next three years I was in the place where all things now needed to function in a jungle environment were tested and hopefully improved. But, we found out all the lies going on by those who got us into a war, but then micromanaged it to death, or 58,000 + deaths just on our side. That’s the real cost of war. So I terminated the chance of a decent career, I was an Air Force aircraft radio tech, and got out. I ended up in the S.F Bay Area where as a young husband with a wife and two kids, I buried my status as a vet for safety’s sake. Too bad it had to be that way. But nothing ever changes when selfish people on both sides of especially a politically charged issue go nuts, and they did. Because of all the drugs and that nutty culture I got my family out of there after three years and moved to the San Joaquin valley where I had grown up and went in the military in the first place. I began a new career in construction and in that process became acquainted with the Hmong and Laotian people who lost their country because of our government’s betrayal of them. Sound familiar? So, some twenty or so years ago I wrote this poem as I was trying to come to grips as to how to relate to these people who in just one generation would be new citizens of our nation. I did OK, but I have never been able to completely square with all the absolute treason of our leaders during that time, both civilian and military. And of course, us government issue pieces of property continue to take it in the shorts. Remembering I viewed all the scenes that flashed on the screen, I knew it all happened But what did it mean? Sitting in silence And watching them die, I left that dark place, And started to cry. With guilt running deep And pain stinging strong, How could our great nation Have gone so damn wrong. They sent in our young, To act out their will, To step into hell, And learn how to kill. Then those who returned, And needed a hand, Saw only the backs, Of a now callous land. And what about those Whose land that was lost? Our promises broken What a terrible cost. Do we offer our help, Do we even try? I feel such a shame, When we meet eye to eye. We’ve buried our guilt, And covered our sin, And swear by our God, That next time we’ll win. So now there’s more people That are turning out red, They’re not just like us, So they’re better off dead. The rhetoric has Such a sickening ring, From history of battles, They learned not a thing. For they’re asking us now, To do it again, To spend still more money, And send in our men. It’s madness all over And when will it end? Maybe when we’re all gone, And there’s no one to send. Tom Ockey

You can never judge a book by it's cover. The first video I watched I wasn't sure if they were gonna be interesting. I haven't watched one of these that wasn't in fact very interesting. What a great page, TY

I was in the Marines and agree with everything he said about war and who makes it... and both Republicans and Democrats are in on it.. BTW I am not a Lefty...

I was a former Marine and combat Vietnam Vet with HMM-163 helicopter squadron 66-67. I would agree with most of his comments, except for the one about Jane Fonda. She was given secret notes from POW's in Honoi and then turned them over to the guards, who beat them again without mercy. She is still a traitor to me and most of my fellow Vets.

You people criticizing this man are something special: “Support our troops... unless their opinions differ from my own” 🙄

Everyone's mad at him but I'm just glad he was honest, I dont want any watered down bs, i want to hear what they really think and this guys got VERY controversial views but at least it's real and I respect him for telling his truth

Welcome back home Will.

This interview is very much appreciated .

What an interesting story. An honest view, which was probably shared by many of his peers, but not voiced by them. War is terrible. And we as a world never seem to learn from. That's why it's important to have all these testimonials which this channel have recorded. Thank you for that.

Let the people who start the wars, fight those wars….

This is a truly honest perspective on this man's experience as a soldier in Vietnam. I truly honor this man stating he didn't agree with the war, didn't agree with killing, but he went and did his duty. I mean, that's all you can really ask for in a drafted soldier.

I've watched Will Crain before and it's always the fastest two hours I sit through. He's a no bs kind of guy.

As a veteran, I wholeheartedly agree with him. It's all BS and defending corporate interests

Refreshing to hear this perspective.

I am always amazed at how all these guys remember all the stuff they do . I remember all the people , none of the particulars.

When I first saw this series I was a little wary that the "sample space" was too narrow (i.e. Montana residents only) and that I'd get the same perspective, where if I heard one I'd heard them all. To my pleasant surprise ... each interview has been an interesting perspective ... I've enjoyed each person's rendition of their experience ... if only we'd learn from it.

"War Is A Racket", by Smedley Butler". Good read. Get it on Amazon.

Very refreshing to hear somebody pragmatic and spot on!

Thank you for your service

The U.S. government's killing of students at Kent State affected me the same way it affected him. I had been back from Vietnam for just over three years by the Spring of 1970. I then also got active in the anti-war movement. April 24, 1971 I was in the midst of 500,000 marching out of the financial district of San Francisco chanting "One, two, three, four-we don't want your fxxxing war!" There were over 800,000 on the same day in Washington DC. When you realize that you have been lied to by terrorists in government in order to get you to engage in a terrible slaughter-AND YOU ARE NOT ALONE-that's when you grow up and get busy. Kudos to Will.

Interesting to see him seem to so easily with his experiences considering he is one of the few on here that saw through the war-mongering propaganda and wasn't left wondering why and what it was all for in the end.

He was making $20/hr in 1967?!? That’s equivalent to $300,000 per year adjusted for inflation in 2020!

I find it odd these comments dumping on this guy because he is somewhat educated and had a clue about the geopolitical situation at that time questioning his mindset. he knew going there was BS. he went anyway. As opposed to some people who fanatically go wherever whenever. No different than Al Queda the SS etc. Fanatics. He still served but with a degree of "clarity" involved. its the same theme anti education anti arts etc. Khmer Rouge took the same stance towards the people it murdered Fanatics

Really, a deeply touching story. Always money for war. Never money for problems at home. I salute you sir. You served your country and kept alive what is important about the war in Vietnam.

Vietnam was a terrible waste of young VET LIVES AND now we have lost to many in the MIDDLE EAST, AND THE AMOINT OF MONEY THAT WE HAVE SPENT, While our infrastructure. Is completely FALLING APART, and the VOTERS have no say what our GOVERNMENT DOES.

I was in the Army, 3 combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. I gotta let everyone whos never been in before about Soldiers Deployment to War and mainly the newer recruits ill be talking about here. The first guy talked about "he met this girl' he fell in love or whatever and he got his draft letter. He said they had to "hurry up and get married" before he goes. Well, ive seen this EXACT situations all over the placd in the Army. Soldiers get married for one, they get a "free" house and more money on deployments if theyre married. Thats all good, but it NEVER works like that. The women around all the bases are looking for that type of Soldier who looks and acts like a damn virgin or acts desperate, like going to stripclubs almost every night and spending ALLL their money on them. Well, these girls are after thise types to marry and ger that "free" housing and the extra money for the spose to live on. 9 times out of 10, they will spend that extra money and some (all of it) smh and uses that house to take their bfs to while youre gone to War and writing her every chance you get and maybe get one or two replies. My one buddy, married a stripper before we went to Iraq. She was one of those women that took and spent all the money, detroyed his house with animal shit about two inches deep in the house.. We came home a year later, eveyone ready to spend that good Deployment pay thats been building up for a year. Well, my buddy was negative in his account when he came home..smh he was a Spec4, same as myself at the time, and i came back with like $32,000. So yeah, i havent heard what all this guy here has said yet, but im pretty sure he had a similar situation. Damn women...smh

Maybe I'm out of left field, but it sounds like he was drafted as part of McNamara's 100k where they continually lowered the qualifications for selective service contracts.

Awesome interview, thanks.

I remember hearing Sammy the Bull ,of all people , saying someone spit on him just for having his army clothes on during Vietnam. And he didn't even go to Vietnam. Some hippies were convinced that every soldier was killing kids. I'm not saying it happened every five minutes or even every day. But it happened.

I have to say he is honest with his feelings and words. I appreciate that.

Hugh Thompson jr is the name of the hero you're looking for.

I was fortunate. I was called up by my draft board in 1971. I was taking a year off from college, thus temporarily sacrificing my student deferment. In those days, they DID ask, and I told. It got me out. I was 4F. But I want to add that had it been necessary, I would have gone to Canada to avoid the draft, as thousands did. The war was wrong, and we all knew it. I knew that, come hell or high water, I was NOT going.

I was stopped by the White Mice in Saigon. I was past curfew in one of those little tiny cabs trying to get back to my unit and got caught. He pointed his rifle in my face and scared hell out of me. Finally the cab driver found his voice and helped me out with little dollar exchange. I am luck I had secreted some US dollars or I am sure my head would have had a new whole. So the MP story kind of fits. I might have been a little judgmental on that one. Sorry.

Saw this and thought he was wrong to say nobody ever spits on our returning soldiers. Even called them assholes. He needs to lose the chip on his shoulder. He doesn't know what he talking about. My wife and I had deplaned and we were walking behind some soldiers who had just come home from Vietnam who had their uniforms on and there were young people there calling them names and spitting at them. This was back in 1969. Why they felt the need to come all the way out to the airport is something I'll never understand. These guys did what their country asks them to do and God Bless Them. At least they came home alive and walking.

1:07:10 "We had no business there...from day one....The book 'War Is A Racket'. IT IS."

I love how he recounts his time, as raw and truthful as he can be; He and so many others like him were shunned when they came back even if they never wanted to go in the first place...

**GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO HAS HAD THE COURAGE,,, TO STAND UP AGAINST THE WAR MACHINE!!!!! THAT TAKES COURAGE!!!!**

It's amazing that WW2 and Korean war happened yet no one thinks to provide any protection for the ears of the Mortar men. Was it the same for heavy artillery? Geez who needs their hearing after serving? I just missed the draft because the War was winding down and my Lottery number was not called. But I did have to go get my Physical. My Father went when I was 15 and came back saying nothing about the war but he was an Officer and not in combat. I asked him later what the hell I was doing in High School with no prep for a War that I was very likely to get called up for. Nothing! No wonder we lost that war. Young men sent in with so little training to fight in Jungles. Vets treated so badly. One hand tied behind our back.

Uncle Sam gave me free cigarettes at the age of 17.Now uncle Sam is telling me how wrong it is to smoke.

Darryl probably went for a drink after this one

THANK YOU WILL !

Wow! Great interview!

This guy is so cool. I love hearing these old stories. These are the people who gave us everything we have. Listen to what they have to say!

When I got off that Braniff charted aircraft, the first thing that I noticed was the shit smell. On final approach we could see cannon and close air support doing their thing, so had already experienced that. That odor comes back to me sometimes after all these years!

Gen Smedley Butler knew what was up- WAR is a RACKET

This dude sounds like he's only telling half truths. AKA making half the story up as he goes along.

I like how he describes his fire fights. Showing how he was firing back from a position in the bunker.

Excellent! I learned so much from this vet. Very intelligent and RIGHT about it all.

Really enjoyed this honesty, don’t know why he’s getting so much shit in the comments 😂

...damn, this dude tells it like it is. Glad you made it back, man.

I think everyone should stop bitching and just be grateful we didn’t have to endure the things this man did for us , thank you for your service sir 🎖🏅🇺🇸

Awareness, awareness, awareness. I think we have read some of the same books,,,Anthony DeMello, perhaps? I am glad you had a high regard for the Boy Scouts. (I was an iggle myself. } Ever heard of the Dulles brothers? We are hated around the world because of them. REALLY like your interview. Outstanding! Thank you.

Thank you for your service Sir! Thank you for adding to that long list of history! God bless you Sir! 💜

Most intelligent people figured it out. It was hard to face the fact that that was why we were there.

You had a police record, dammit.

These videos are important for the future, I really hope they are preserved, its first hand history, this mans recall is amazing, I think its because hes a trained artist this was a great interview, thank you both.

He is one smart guy. Thank you Mr. Crain for your service. Thank you for your insight on the causes of war. You are a hero.

A very interesting interview. I don't agree with many of his beliefs, but he earned his beliefs and I respect them. Despite his many Article 15s I think he was a good solider. OK, he lost me at jane Fonda.

Thanks for your service.

Summer of 67. I probably played at his graduation ceremony at Fort Polk.

Make these available for podcasts

Did Mr. Crain pass away? I hope not. I'm getting info like that but his art website is still up. We know we can't trust internet, which is basically a sophisticated communication SERVICE but they serve themselves as much as they can. I love his art.

you are my new hero, top boy. Les Holmes ,Manchester, England .age 70.Fellow birder.!

Thanx my man your life was not in vain..i read some where the Rockefeller guy was involved in selling weapons to the north Vietnamese .. I appreciate this buddy. I was born in Canada a place where we did not have to go to any war..

Amazing stories. These men were unbelievably brave.

One hour into it Will tells how the stupid war was a money making scam . He references Smedley Butler "War is a Racket" the interviewer doesn't like that so much doesn"t dwell there .

I get the feeling this guy really doesn't like the US state department.

*Thank you to Darryl and Will for shining a light in the darkness that is the MIC*

What these guys went through, from all different walks of life, creeds and colors. Can you imagine being in that jungle? Now can you imagine being a kid in that jungle fighting the Viet Cong?? I don’t care what you fellas did to survive and keep your sanity while there. You’re all Heroes in my book. Thank you for being Warriors even when you didn’t want to be but did your duty anyway. 🇺🇸

Does this guy and the interviewer think the rest of us in Viet Nam were morons. That we did not know it was a very different culture? That life had changed for us? Do they think the rest of us all are morons?

Very interesting. Thank you for your service.

I like this Will Crain. He’s not the most articulate vet but he’s a thinking man and sees the big picture. I like that about him. That’s too bad about the PTSD. He came home but the war is still with him.

Interesting perspective from a man with many layers. I could have listened to him for another 8 hours. His experience has clearly has a profound effect on his life after the war.

Another great interview. Thanks for his service and thanks to the gazette for honoring these men for future generations.

Major General Smedley D. Butler 2X Congressional Medal of Honor Recepiant. Wrote " War is an Racket" one of the Greatest books ever written.

Very interesting to hear about his way of interaction with the civilians.

I was in HMH-463, '70-71. A few things that don't add up in his story: One, he gets to his outfit and just hops on a truck? Uh-uh. I can't see this without some sergeant or corporal saying "go here" or an equivalent thereof; " (helos) were just shooting to shoot"? They had night vision back then, how does he know they couldn't see targets?; They moved their belongings, rather than their gear?; "He took an RPG in the chest"? (Those things explode!); C-rations were WW2. We had K-rats. I quit watching. Most of his lingo seems right, but I just don't buy this.

I am a 68 yo Navy Veteran Who salutes every Vietnam Veteran I encounter

This guy really lays it out ... I was in during peace time and got out honorably with an education + GI-bill ... Lifers are there and ~afraid to get out in most cases ...

Off topic completely but he said 67 and was making 20$ a hour even today that is good for most

$20 something an hr in the mid 60s was BANK for a mid 20s dude. Wow

Very interesting. Fascinating to hear the viewpoint of an atheist who served during the Vietnam war. Proving the ridiculous adage "there are no atheists in foxholes" completely incorrect.

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing

Question? Was it true that a father could send a pistol to an enlisted son in theater, during Vietnam?

Good to Hear the truth. About war and the military, Thanks from a nam vet. Too...

Im watching with great interest this series of interviews. They are really great and really help understand the many aspects of Vietnam war from the perspective of the simple soldier. I should also add that the interviewer is really good in asking the right questions and making his guests feel comfortable despite the gruesome subject. Im not American or Vietnamese so I dont have a dog in this fight. I just try to understand the mentality that simple GIs had that time. I came to some conclusions. 1) Most young men were influenced by the fact that their fathers or older close relatives fought in WWII. If they were not inspired themselves, they were almost forced by the social norm formed by the previous generations. In paper many appear as volunteers but in reality many just joined in order to hasten the unavoidable draft, or in the hope that they will thus have some control over their positioning in the army by making a choice. 2) Some young men were convinced that the reasons the goverment gave them for entering in this war, were sound. They really believed that if Vietnam fell in the hands of communists that would start a domino effect that would tilt the Cold War balance in favour of the USSR. 3) There were 4 basic categories of recruits. A) the gung-ho ones B) the reluctant ones but with strong sense of duty C)the ones that just wanted to get over with this thing that paused their life D) the ones that didnt wanted to be there at all and would try anything to escape it. The A category the ''gung-ho'' splits in 2 subcategories A1) the sociopaths that wanted a licence to kill A2) the wild kids that usually get theirselves in trouble with law but now through the army had a chance to channel all their adrenaline and energy to a purpose. After the end of their tour, managing to get home alive but many not so well, many veterans state that they still believe that the Vietnam war should be fought. Even if history proved that even after the victory of the communist faction, no domino effect followed, the USSR didnt dominate the world and basically nothing of real importance really happened geopolitically. Even further the USSR died with a whimper not with a bang a couple decades after. Its hard for me to understand why these people STILL believe that they really had a reason and more so a duty to go and die or get maimed physically or emotionally, after the knowledge of these facts. I can only attribute it in two reasons. A) Some of them are politically simpletons, most times reffered as the useful idiots. That doesnt mean they are bad people. They just dont get it. B) Most of them know really well that this was a futile war, but they dont want to admit it even to themselves. Because then it will be as they are admiting that all this was for nothing. And probably that would destroy their mental stability. Having to endure all this pain, see what they saw, lose so many friends, end up handicaped, cancered by agent orange or at best with PTSD, for nothing. I guess its a self defence mechanism trying to make believe that the war was just and they should try harder. If you are not part of the social elite the more you understand about how the world works and what makes it tick, the harder your life becomes. Sometines people that dont think much are happier in their little box. I saw most of the interviews. Up till now this is the only one with rude comments towards the veteran speaking. I just dont get it. The man served, in a combat unit, saw battle many times, he was not a coward, he was not some kind of pencil pushing rat in some command office. He just didnt believe in that war. And just for that you call him names, while at the same time you call ''Heroes'' some guys that clearly are sociopaths and nobody in the right mind would want to be around them in a normal enviroment.

Great post 👍🏻👍🏻

I'm addicted to these as well. Listen to a lot of them... This guy sure has a story... Lol

113s were death traps. A .22 would penetrate the damn thing and what ever went inside would bang around all over the place. That is why we rode on top! They had a rubber liner, I guess it was, to help with this but did not help a lot.

Interesting to view all perspectives of those that served in Vietnam. Kudos to the interviewer.

A real pleasure. Listening to this man being interviewed. He has shown great respect for the deceased & the suffering for both sides! I admire his knowledge and honesty Against his government For wars that should never have happened!( to Put it Mioldly )!!

@2:13 Brilliant!! I know I'm going to love this guys stories. God bless him, or nothing bless him to be fair. Much love sir, carry on.

I like this guy. I don't agree with everything, like Chris Kyle & Jane Fonda, but I respect him and his views. Smedley Butler was correct, war is a racket. This guy speaks as only a seasoned individual can. Agree with him or not, he's deserving of respect.

This guy is entitled to his opinions, and i think he has some things right, but i wouldnt want him in my squad. Most guys that didnt believe in the war would at least fight for the guys next to them, didnt hear this guy talk about even one friend or guy who's back he had.

He hit the nail on the head about the Marlboro’s.

Poorly trained officers and troops = high casualties in Vietnam which is unacceptable