US Marine Vietnam Vet Craig Tschetter, Extended Interview

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2 жыл бұрын

In 1967, 18-year old Craig Tschetter enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to escape the strict religious mandates of his family's Mennonite faith, never imagining the trials that awaited him in the Vietnam War. For 20 months, over two tours, Tschetter served as a combat radio operator in the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines; losing friends, witnessing the atrocities and horrific accidents of war, and being wounded twice. After returning stateside, he became a drill instructor in San Diego, teaching new recruits to survive the hostile jungles he left behind. Following his honorable discharge, Tschetter returned home to South Dakota and launched a career in the funeral service industry. Many years later, Tschetter compiled and reconciled his wartime experiences in a deeply moving and unforgettable book, Fifteen Minutes Ago: A Vietnam War Memoir (www.fifteenminutesago.com).
This video is a raw, unfiltered interview. Postcards also created a short-form documentary with Tschetter which can be viewed here: • View a gripping interv...
Postcards is an award-winning series showcasing the arts, history, and cultural heritage of western Minnesota and beyond. Funding for Postcards comes from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
To watch more Postcards including more Veteran stories, visit www.pioneer.org/postcards/ or video.pioneer.org/show/postca...
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Пікірлер: 836

@PostcardsOnPioneerPBS 9 ай бұрын

For more powerful, unvarnished stories from Vietnam veterans take a look at our other Extended Interviews at kzfaq.info/sun/PLQA4qGyO83dm1uuJYGiKax9UEce1Qbhe5

@michaelnugent17 Жыл бұрын

Craig, you are a true hero for me. In high school, 1963, I won an NROTC scholarship. I only had to be accepted at a university that had an NROTC program. My dad, a former USAF Captain, taught high school. I listened to him. I could have easily gotten into Notre Dame, but no, I had to apply to a fancy IVY League school. We could not afford two applications. Needless to say I lost the scholarship. I wanted to become a Marine because I thought I was a tough guy. I met a Marine Corps pilot at my university. After I talked to him I could tell by the reserved manner of his speech, that he he had found a live one. The PLC program would have me go to Quantico officer training basic during the summer between junior and senior year. I would be commissioned at my graduation and off to Viet Nam. My girlfriend decided to two time me. That probably saved my life. I did not want to go back to school and volunteered for the draft. They happily took me in October. I wound up giving electrocardiograms at Walter Reed in DC till I was discharged. I was home free. I was an idiot but still had all my fingers and toes. I have had a very successful life, married about 50 years, two sons. One a USAFA graduate fighter pilot F-15E now a Lt. Col and an exchange pilot with the RAF learning to fly the Typhoon. Have two grand daughters that are a delight. Another son is a mechanical engineer. Sincerely, Michael Nugent

@reddiver7293 3 күн бұрын

Thanks for your service. You sound like a fine American to me!

@MartinSage Жыл бұрын

In ‘74 when I got on that plane and left Vietnam and flew to NY to be discharged I was so proud of having served I stupidly walked down the street in my uniform. I was laughed at. I’ll never forget how confused and angry I felt. I never wore that uniform again. I never told anyone I was in Nam for decades and only when asked directly.

@konglives4453 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service, sir. I take off my hat to you. From a USN vet of Desert Storm in '91

@chrisdahl1513 Жыл бұрын

I am so sorry that happened to you and so many young men. Thank you for sharing, and you will never know how much we appreciate you. It is amazing to me how your generation was raised to not “ play the victim card” this modern generation must frustrate you. God bless

@johnlothrop293 Жыл бұрын

You weren't stupid to wear your uniform. The country was stupid. Still is.

@robertisham5279 Жыл бұрын

What branch were you in?

@colinsmith2005 Жыл бұрын

When your Govt request you travel to a foreign country and engage in using lethal force against the people's of that country, assessing if your Govt is worthy of your loyalty should be your first priority, with the second being, should you kill for your Government those they have made your enemy, for the advertised crimes against, freedom, democracy, oil etc. When your Govt is a scum bag all you should expect, is to die.

@petermitchell1547 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing all this. I’m a retired U.S. Marine. I retired as a Field Grade Officer who never experienced the intensity of Vietnam. I was trained by Vietnam vets, and I served with some. They are without question some of the bravest Americans I’ve ever known.

@sammiedog4 9 ай бұрын

Big WIP

@marine4lyfe85 9 ай бұрын

Were you in the Corps in the 80's? I was from 85-89.

@petermitchell1547 9 ай бұрын

@@marine4lyfe85 Yes, I served from 1984 to 2004.

@JohnMurphy-mx7pd 8 ай бұрын

Loser medals are worth as much as a used diaper .

@warfarenotwarfair5655 17 күн бұрын

Poorly trained conscripts were the bravest? The Persian Gulf War vets have been at war for 20+ years and they are all volunteers. No other generation comes close in the modern wars.

@ThaCurbdog Жыл бұрын

This was one of the best ways I can think of, to spend an hour this week. Thank you for your service and gift to mankind, in the telling of your story.

@michaelcollins1121 Жыл бұрын

Semper Fi Marine. The Vietnam Veterans are the reason I joined the Corps.

@anthonychavez1906 Жыл бұрын

The Vietnam veterans played a big part in me joining the Marine Corps . Semper Fi Brother.

@DJK-cq2uy Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing !! 🤪 😂 😂

@low-keyrighteous9575 Жыл бұрын

My grandfather was a Marine and I've always had a soft spot for Marines . But hearing stories from Marines like this man hit my heart strings ... Hearing of dead Marines is painful , as well as any American soldier. There is always something different about hearing of dead Marines that hurts my heart . Such honorable warriors that have made our nation proud . Thank you Marines

@SaundersE5 Жыл бұрын

You guys were heroes to me when I was a little kid, you’re heroes to me now, and you’ll be my heroes on the day I die. Semper Fi

@kolerful4714 Жыл бұрын

we didnt need to be in vietnam

@59Alaskan Жыл бұрын

@@kolerful4714 it wasn't the troops fault....

@AceNothing-oe3mi Жыл бұрын

Amen, I have always felt the same way..

@sarahberry6080 Жыл бұрын

That does not make one single soldier less heroic.

@robertisham5279 11 ай бұрын

@@59Alaskan It kind of was.

@Duwayne21 Жыл бұрын

I also served in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969, with Golf Co. 2/5, The Marine corps trained me how to survive in combat, but not how to handle the lost of a friend in combat, but when my tour was over, I found my self to be that I was now in a different kind of war, when people found that I served in Vietnam, they tossed trash at us, called us baby killers, and I could not even defend my self, and if I did, I was considered a violent person. Now with the fake welcome home and thank you, But there are the Medic, Doctors, and Nurses, that deserve more than a thank you, just how many of us would not have made it back, thanks to them.

@cosmolineandgritsforbreakf3795 Жыл бұрын

From one marine to another welcome home.

@dennisholst4322 Жыл бұрын

This bravery isn't what politions can display

@craignilsen2627 Жыл бұрын

You all are beyond the best. Thank you

@julianblea1711 Жыл бұрын

I was also there 1968-69 in Phu Loi. Yes I had the same treatment so I stopped saying I was a Vietnam Veteran. I went on with my life. It was a bankers war as all wars are. God bless all those that gave the ultimate sacrifice. There is a God. He was there for me more than a dozen times, before and after!

@Exist_Outdoors_ Жыл бұрын

Welcome home

@jameswheeler7679 Жыл бұрын

What a story and what courage: My father did 2 tour's in Vietnam and I have always had great respect for our military who fought in Vietnam

@sammiedog4 9 ай бұрын

So he volunteered it's his butt to the government.

@sammiedog4 9 ай бұрын

He belongs to uncle Sam. So get off the train

@MikeJohnson-dr2tu Жыл бұрын

This man's memory is impeccable . I imagine if a guy lives through that kind of nightmare it's not easily forgotten . To listen to his stories of terror and Hell are overwhelming and you can see it in his eyes and hear it in his tone that his experience there is something that he's lived with and will forever live with . I was born in May of 68' so when I took my first breath , this man was in fear of taking his last breath . Unbelievable !

@dennisholst4322 Жыл бұрын

In the Bible God says they shall beat their weapons into plow shears

@georgemills8799 Жыл бұрын

😅😅❤ moveable

@edmedlin2936 Жыл бұрын

I was Army, 11B, 1969-1971. You Marines hit a lot more heavy contact than I ever did. I salute you.

@DrewHop325 Жыл бұрын

What unit did you serve in and where did you serve?

@robertdoyle5469 7 күн бұрын

Right back at you Ed. Thank You I am a non combat Marine 70 to 73.

@robertdoyle5469 7 күн бұрын

I salute all Vets and I keep a sharp eye on our politicians

@mcvet57103 Жыл бұрын

My Father-in-law is a Vietnam Vet and 20 year Marine 0311 who did two tours, was wounded twice at Hue City, was a Drill Instructor, and played Trombone in the Marine Corps Band after Vietnam. He retired from the Marines in 1974, the year I enlisted. He never talked much about what he went through. He told us about being wounded, and being Medi-vaced through enemy fire on the hood of a jeep, after his second wound, and his recovery in Hawaii. But never talked about anything he witnessed, or experienced otherwise. He is now in a rest home in South Dakota dying of Dementia. I thought of him as I watched this video, and wished he would have told us more. But I know he has PTSD. Myself, I'm a Vietnam Era Marine only. I knew many Marines during my 4 years who were there. That war did more damage than people realise. No-one who was there came back unscathed. My three D.I.s in 1974 were Vietnam Vets, and they trained us hard because they knew what war was really about.

@davidstaudohar6733 Жыл бұрын

🔴 Semper Fidelis 👍👍👍 thank you and your dad for your service to my beloved Marine Corps and our wonderful country 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸‼️

@waynefreeman7556 Жыл бұрын

I was there when you came through intake and indoc, God bless you. You are a credit to your family, the Country and all Americans. Semper Fi, TX

@johnceglick8714 Жыл бұрын

@EMO EMO lost my uncle in NAM mid-3/1968 in Central highlands , tail end of TET, 10 days B-4 my 11th bday. Knew neighbors sons , and friends bro. Sent there from 65-69 , last one coming hm in late 71!

@johnceglick8714 Жыл бұрын

@EMO EMO When I heard about my unc I carried a big chip on my shoulder , and I couldn't take them hypocritical hippies. In fact I belted one on his head a tire iron , and nearly was put away I a juvenile center , but my dad got a good lawyer , spent an exhorbitant amount of BUCS to save my incorrigible ass . You Tube brought me back to them days of NAM , and , recently I got into a depression after decades of trying to for get bout that time., But curiousity kills a cat sometimes. Anyway , I knew neighbors sons , and friends bros. sent to NAm from 65-69 . Last one coming hm. late 71 , and it was palpable , by looking @ their eyes their plight being in country . By viewing on internet brought back that nightmarish time @ mid-3/1968! I try to avoid looking up NAM for good reason in that the war was felt by those directly or , Evan , indirectly involved ; ie: knowing friends who had relatives there. It affected all of us deeply ! God bless America , and , especially all vets in all the conflicts the USA was in !

@johnceglick8714 Жыл бұрын

@EMO EMO Glad I can approach someone about my experience of that time period , Evan though I was a very young man , but witnessed those chaotic days late 60s to early 70s. Thank , and God bless !

@jillshaw9306 Жыл бұрын

This interview bought tears to my eyes and I'm totally humbled. Now my heart goes out to him and all Vietnam vets.

@sammiedog4 9 ай бұрын

He volunteered, so it's his fault.

@ericwilliams538 9 ай бұрын

@@sammiedog4Why are you making comments like that?? Just to merely be an asshole!!??.... because that's exactly what you're coming off as. Go troll somewhere else.

@BlurrFn- 4 ай бұрын

what a close minded take.@@sammiedog4

@robertisham5279 3 ай бұрын

@@ericwilliams538No he's telling the truth. EVERYONE had a choice regarding Vietnam. What differentiated people was the value they placed on the consequences they might experience. Every person has to be their ultimate conscience, not a group or a government. That includes the USA. Craig the Chump. He enlisted in the military in 1967 when he should have figured out the war was BS and a losing proposition. I resisted the Draft and Vietnam in early 1970. He was nothing more than one of the 2.7 million chumps and pawns that kept a war going for 10 years...bringing nothing but pain, conflict and loss to the American people. He was an enabler of a bully misguided Government and erroneous foreign policy. They blame the politicians and an unsupportive American public. But...no troops meant no war. His time in Vietnam did absolutely NOTHING for American safety, security and freedom. That reality gets lost in these BS propaganda videos. He went backtoVietnam? Why? The only thing he should have cared about is he didn't come home in a box. Maybe these clowns should have cared about becoming a powerful collective force to keep future generations out of other "Vietnams"....Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. Do I get a "heart" by my comment b/c I speak the truth? Probably not.

@robertisham5279 3 ай бұрын

@@BlurrFn-No it's an open minded comment compared the idiot who drank the koolaid about Vietnam.

@jeg5438 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Sarge. For telling the truth about what the US did to too many young men in that time period. May GOD bless you and all who suffered in that debacle.

@samuellyle5066 Жыл бұрын

⁰

@jeromeweisser6041 Жыл бұрын

We served our country out of duty and service to our country. It was not our intent to be heros.

@kingsman3087 Жыл бұрын

christianity is a joke these days

@redtobertshateshandles Жыл бұрын

Solzhenitsyn said Vietnam proved that the Free World would fight Communists if we had to. It had value.

@derekbaker3279 10 ай бұрын

@@redtobertshateshandles I find it interesting that Solzhenitsyn would have said that, as the 'Free World' fought & defeated Communism in Korea in the 1950s.....and that war was fought by Communists primarily from North Korea & China (plus Soviet pilots), using Soviet equipment....🤔

@nealfauver Жыл бұрын

It’s always the ignorant who are given the tallest podiums for whatever reason. Not with me and not with any other Veteran I know or served with. Welcome home, Marine. Semper Fi 💪

@46bovine 3 ай бұрын

Thank you, brother Craig. I was a REMF on an aircraft carrier in 1970. I still feel guilty that I I wasn’t in the jungle helping you grunts doing the dirty job you were assigned. Thanks again for the feelings you expressed about 1975, the fall of Saigon, I felt the same way. We were duped, they threw away 58,000 young men’s lives away for nothing. Then Carter’s “forgiving” the morons who ran away to Canada. However, I had an acquaintance who was a Canadian who lived in RI. He received a draft notice, he went to the draft board folks and told them they were mistaken, he was a Canadian citizen. They said, “ Good for you, you can let yourself get drafted or return to Canada.” He joined the Army and wound up in Nam.

@DonnaDawson-ih7kp Жыл бұрын

My father did 1 tour in Korea, and 2 tours Vietnam. I'm very proud of my father.

@CarlosMendez-hs8yi Жыл бұрын

What an outstanding man you are Craig your words are so heart felt politicians have no idea on how to run a country men like Craig make a difference to show how to live life and after what he endured God bless

@rougedog8111 Жыл бұрын

Why do Americans like to invade other countries then expect to be called heroes while the other countries are called terrorists USA they deserved everything they got

@gonzotuberafael Жыл бұрын

I served all of 1970 with the First Marines Alpha and Charlie Company’s…I can relate to everything you talked about…I too became a radioman and soon after a squad leader (Charlie-Two-Charlie)…wounded twice…coming home was the worst for me…and came very close to killing those who looked down at me…I lost a lot of job opportunities only because I needed to control my anger in order to survive after Vietnam…God is and has been there for me…I Roger That to everything you said. Thank you for sharing. Big Boy signing out!

@calvincanterbury3975 Жыл бұрын

My dad was a marine and served in Vietnam. Thank you sir for your service much respect

@beaburt1996 Жыл бұрын

God bless you Mr. Tschetter, you are a hero. My uncle Jules served with the 1rst Air Cav Army infantry from December 1968 to the end of January 1969 when while walking point he was wounded by a VC booby trap that blew part of his foot off. I was born in 1973 and I can tell you I hold our you, my uncle and all of our Vietnam vets in the highest regard.

@curttaylor6237 Жыл бұрын

Why do you hold them in high esteem ? We didn't fight for our country there. It was not our war. We should have left it for people to fight their own darn wars. W we never learn though, we keep fighting others wars for them

@mikemcnamara1831 Жыл бұрын

Curt Taylor, we hold them in high esteem because men and women like this, through their sense of duty, and devotion to our country, are an example of honor, integrity and bravery, attributes that you should familiarize yourself with. Without them and others, before and after, you would not be living in a country, where you are free to belittle their selfless contribution to you, your family, and the rest of America. Regardless of your position on the war in Vietnam or any other war, you should have the decency to respect the men and women, who are willing to sacrifice their very lives, to provide you with freedom in yours.

@curttaylor6237 Жыл бұрын

@@mikemcnamara1831 I still fail to understand why we go to other countries and fight their wars for them. I don't see why fighting other countries wars for them is a great or honorable thing. We were in Vietnam not defending our country but supporting another country for most of whom were not willing to defend their country. I see nothing honorable about that. I would recommend to you the you read "war is a racket" written by a former USMC Commandant . Can't remember his name, he was commandant in the 1930's.

@curttaylor6237 Жыл бұрын

Me USMC RVN 1968, 1969.

@mikemcnamara1831 Жыл бұрын

Curt Taylor your problem is a political leadership problem. You should not disrespect the soldiers who are doing their duty, because you have a problem with the politicians who got them there. Not too hard to understand.

@freedomfighter69 Жыл бұрын

I just cried, but never stopped listening to everything he said for even a second. Thank you for sharing with us Craig.

@sammiedog4 9 ай бұрын

Really!!!😂

@camarogs1 Жыл бұрын

I left Vietnam 3 days before TET 1968. I can absolutely identify with what Craig is saying. Not one day goes by that I do not flash back to Vietnam 55 years later.

@jerseybob4471 Жыл бұрын

This is the most articulate and heart felt Vietnam story I’ve ever heard. I served in the US Army from 1963 to 1967. I was sent overseas to Turkey. I was secure, had 3 hot meals every day, and a warm bunk to sleep in. All the while my fellow soldiers were fighting in the jungles of Vietnam. I did everything the Army asked of me and then some. I can’t help feeling that I could have been asked to do more.

@kingsman3087 Жыл бұрын

christianity is a joke these days

@robertisham5279 Жыл бұрын

@@kingsman3087 no it's not

@samuellopez8425 14 күн бұрын

@@kingsman3087 you are not only joke but a clown 🤡 Vietnam veteran

@ronaldgreen665 Жыл бұрын

Craig I just happen to stumble on your story on You tube and I was going to dismiss it and the the more that I listen to your Marine Corps life our story is so similar. I am a Vietnam veteran also 3rd Battalion 1st Mar and all the places that you named i was there also, your story was so moving and relatable. My prayers are with you and your family stay strong , you`re an inspiration to us all who were there, I`m retired Marine of 22yrs MSGT. God speed and Semper FI .

@johnhall1836 Жыл бұрын

Welcome home. The VA mental health clinic was a turning point for many of us.

@mattmccain8492 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your story sir. My father served in the Marines durring that war. At 50 years old myself , I find that I think on the veterans I was around as a little kid and those men who raised my generation. I remember them and their stories of their experiences very well. You guys are not forgotten.

@robertboney4493 Жыл бұрын

God bless this man and the US Marines.

@BobTex01 Жыл бұрын

Semper Fi Marine, God bless you and ALL of those like you. I was 11 when my Marine father returned from his 3rd tour. I graduated from Lejeune high school in 77. ALL of our fathers had served in I Corps!

@sigmarecovery699 10 ай бұрын

I am glad that as he is a veteran, he is talking to young people about the reality of war. War is cruelty and you cannot refine it. I almost started crying when I saw his picture displayed at the end of the video…..he was just a kid…….poor kids killing each other on both sides. Tragic. God bless him.

@CrowSpirit1977 Жыл бұрын

I've been living with non combat ptsd my entire life due to repetitive trauma at a very young age. I was never diagnosed until I was in my 40's I just thought that I was really weird until then, and the strange thing is, I always gravitated towards Vietnam veterans for friends as I was getting older. Didn't know why, or really never gave it a thought. All I knew was that I connected with these guys and were the best friends I ever had, and never questioned why. Looking back I now believe that there existed an unspoken and profound connection between us. I still couldn't tell you how or why that was, but I am very grateful to have had those friends and I will never forget them!!

@sommesoul33 10 ай бұрын

To have survived hell and to have grown stronger as a soul.

@41546able Жыл бұрын

I found you story very inspiring. I was with E Co 2/5 when they sailed from California in 1966 and trained in jungle warfare in Okinawa before landing in Vietnam on April 13, 1966. We landed in Chu Lai but after about 10 days I was transferred to M Co 3/1 along with some other Marines. I was with them until I got my orders to return home on February 14 1967. I returned to Nam with C CO 1/27 when the Tet Offensive started until the end of July. Thank you for sharing your story. Semper Fi

@howardstimely327 Жыл бұрын

😅l

@filibandicoot1580 Жыл бұрын

a dimond in the rough right here im glad i stumbled on this great story !! what a blessing to have people like that in our world.

@ManiacInTheShed Жыл бұрын

The real diamonds were the heroes who stood up against the war and refused to go to Vietnam to kill Vietnamese..... people like Muhammad Ali. If everyone was like Muhammad Ali there would be NO wars

@ronburt209 Жыл бұрын

I greatly appreciate your telling your story. I was also born in 48 and served in the Navy but all the friends I went to high school with that served in the Marines in Vietnam as riflemen never came back.

@charlesbosse9669 Жыл бұрын

You are one of the most unique Vietnam Veterans that I've ever heard speak. I understand your mission, and it's quite noble, I'm glad you do what you do, to speak to youngsters and try to teach more than just history. One thing I'll never understand, at least I don't think so, is what the experience is like to be in a combat situation like yourself, and many others. I can't even pretend. But, thank you for your service and sacrifice for our country, we can never say it enough, and furthermore, Welcome Home Sir. And God bless you and your family, thank you for sharing this with us. I hope and pray that you are well. Thank you again.

@marineveteranjorge4412 6 ай бұрын

Best detailed interview I have heard. God Bless you Marine. Semper Fi!

@andrewhatez7955 Жыл бұрын

It is with a heavy and humble heart I address this Marine and his fellow soldiers in Vietnam--thank you all for your brave service to our Country. May we never forget the sacrifice these great Americans gave in the cause for our continued freedom. Godspeed & Semper Fi.

@SunofYork Жыл бұрын

Our freedom ? and after all that, The Vietnamese sell us T shirts and we buy them in Walmart.. So what was it for ?

@notagrd Жыл бұрын

Kikass comment man, 🇺🇲🍺 🙏

@DJK-cq2uy Жыл бұрын

Freedom???? To make money for a few at the expense of others???

@DJK-cq2uy Жыл бұрын

@@notagrd 🤣 😂 🤣

@JayBow-lc8ek Жыл бұрын

I trust anyone that is a great human being and the virtues this man has as a soldier. God bless this man and the USA!!

@andrewlong489 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your service and sharing your life experience!! God bless you.

@francispeltonen3772 10 ай бұрын

What a wonderful interview. Your words painted a picture of what Vietnam was. My 2 older brothers were in Vietnam the same time you were. They both were wounded. I like the you are one lucky SOB. Once a marine always a marine. I'll tell my brothers about your book. God bless you sir.

@francispeltonen3772 10 ай бұрын

Oh yeah they both were Marines Also

@mysweetchloe Жыл бұрын

A truly gifted speaker. Thank you for your service. Praying the rest of your days can be filled with peace and love.

@LuvBorderCollies Жыл бұрын

His description of his first contact obviously an eye opener for him. It is for anyone in truly life or death situations and shows you your life change drastically in tiny fractions of a second. My career Army uncle was a Huey left seater in the 229th Av Btl in November 1965. A number of books have been written by that battle but you couldn't write enough books to adequately describe the emotions of each person involved. My uncle was one of the 229th pilots who volunteered to fly in supplies and haul out wounded, after the medevac pilots refused to go in because it was too dangerous. He went through 3 Hueys in one afternoon and was wounded in the process. None of the 229th pilots hesitated, thinking not of their safety, but to help the desperate GI's on the ground. That marks the difference between true heroes and the rest.

@Edogawa1117 Жыл бұрын

Thank you,sir. I could listen to you all day. Superb narrator. Thank you for everything.

@edwardhopf2654 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service to our country. God bless!

@low-keyrighteous9575 Жыл бұрын

I just heard him speak of that teacher who said to this Marine" damn Vietnam vets all want a handout ". Truly sickening and pathetic . What an incredible young man , the Marines built him well . God bless you Marine

@robynecheverria6194 9 күн бұрын

My dad was also a Marine R.O. in Vietnam and he got out of the Marines and enlisted in the Army after a 4 year hiatus. I hope this message gets to Vet Craig ...my Dad was working at the embassy in Iran when it wad taken but his Marine training got him out and he got to the airport in the trunk of an Iranian cab driver who risked his life to get my dad out of there and safety to the airport. So you mentioning the hostage crisis always makes me thankful that my dad was a Marine before and always because it saved him and his desire to live that came from Vietnam and the training he received. As my dad would "Semper Fi" Craig. ❤

@earlhester825 8 ай бұрын

I was in Vietnam at the same time this man was. I was in the army with the 101 abn division . Which was in I corp just outside of Phu Bi. We worked with marine armor units around hue. I understand this man and what he experienced.

@johncox4273 Жыл бұрын

Craig, Thank you for sharing your life journey. So glad you got help from the VA. I was in country 1968-69 -1st Cav. Started out in I Corp near Quang Tri, then moved south to the Tay Ninh area to run operations into Cambodia. You story brought back a lot of memories, starting with arriving at Cam Ranh Bay, and wondering what the heck was going on, to the freedom bird leaving Country. I was not a grunt, but spent most of my year on various fire bases. Got to know some grunts when they came in from the bush and provided perimeter security, and had the highest respect for them. Went on a couple of short patrols with them, and honestly didn’t know how anyone could do this day in and day out! I would like to return some day like you did, and see how life is now for the Vietnamese people. I know that many GI’s have done just that, and it seems to have helped both sides with the healing we desperately need. When I visit The Wall in DC it fills me with sadness for the lives cut short, and of all the possibilities lost. What wonderful things would they have accomplished had they lived full lives. Then I think of the one million Vietnamese lives lost, and their country ravaged by war. Why is it that our country is constantly at war someplace, and why are we so damn good at it? Take care of yourself Craig, and thank you for writing your book and for doing this interview.

@garyjenkins6629 Жыл бұрын

Sir, thanks for sharing your story. You guys are and always have been my heroes. My Dad was a WWII veteran.

@anthonyfelker1712 Жыл бұрын

I appreciate this interview, very much so! Thank you for sharing this. I was a Marine in the first Gulf War. You’re so right. It never leaves you. Semper Fi and Welcome Home .

@rikijett310 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service and may God bless you always!!! ✝️🇺🇲✝️

@mikevallee3916 Жыл бұрын

Wonderful, wonderful talk. I was a CAP Marine drafted at 23.

@markanderson5194 Жыл бұрын

I thank you and all the other men and women who served and fought for our country all gave some and some gave all. I salute you Sir God bless you and America

@carlpresley9097 Жыл бұрын

I understand so completely. I spent two tours there with th usaf. I didn't see what you saw but I saw enough. First tour north of Hue. Second tour danang. Saw many wounded and killed. But you have my upmost respect. Semper fi. I worked with the marines and the navy, coast guard and army. You're a good man.

@filthwhistle Жыл бұрын

What a real American gentleman.

@CplSkiUSMC Жыл бұрын

Generation after generation continue to march down that road. I followed in your footsteps... I went to Beirut in 1983. I have three sons, all Marines. My two oldest, a tanker and an infantryman, each did two tours in Iraq. God spared my youngest who was also an infantryman, he was to go into Afghanistan and I was sure - I KNEW- he wasn't going to come home alive. I thought, I survived Beirut, my two oldest boys had both survived two combat tours in Iraq... the luck in this family has been spent. My youngest son's unit - 2/7 - got cancelled on the Afghanistan deployment and they ended up doing two SouthPac floats during his enlistment. He never did go into Afghanistan and I continue to thank God for his and all the other lives spared because of it. But I look at the state of the world now and I can clearly see terrifying times ahead. I think everything you went through, I went through, my sons went through, and everyone who has gone to war in the past has gone through... it will pale in comparison. God help us all. Semper Fidelis Craig.

@doctordetroit4339 Жыл бұрын

SF my friend

@CplSkiUSMC Жыл бұрын

@@doctordetroit4339 Rah!

@grovepeate3316 Жыл бұрын

This is one of the best stories ever.I was born 45,got a draft notice in 65 ,enlisted in Air Force 65 - 69.Got out went to school Nassau Community College ,on Mitchell Field.I got kicked out after punching some war protesters in the lunch room.Cops came,the older Nassau County Officer talked me down,I didn't get arrested,but was asked to leave school.This man had me crying as I relieved this period.Thankyou Marine sergeant.

@curttaylor6237 Жыл бұрын

Why would you physically attack someone because they had a different opinion than you ? Are you that un-American that you would attack someone who has a different view point. Are you some kind of Nazi ?

@mustanger7p845 Жыл бұрын

Craig, really enjoyed your interview it's really very well done, most are sort of how great I am sort of approach. I had two tours 65/66 with 2/4 and 69/70 with 2/5, retired in 83. The rational for your title is right on, for some reason that never occurred for me to think of it that way, fits me totally. I have wondered many times why my name is not on the "Wall" as I know 100 Marines or so who are on it. Just ordered your book, had an experience with a VA counselor in the mid 80's where I just broke down. He told me I had a serious case of PTSD but that I covered it well with a positive attitude, but it was still very obvious. Looking forward to your book. Semper Fi Pete

@petercofrancesco1620 Жыл бұрын

Thank You For Serving In Vietnam, Marine !

@tonygross8678 Жыл бұрын

This is why I am so proud of Veterans especially Marines. It is way past time that this nation must recognize their service and continued suffering way past their active period. This man's wife is a Saint and her compassion and support of her husband is where we all need to be. Thanks Marine, for your service and message herein!

@albertmarsh1796 27 күн бұрын

The army fought and suffered the same as marines how could there be a difference

@charlesbosse9669 Жыл бұрын

This is the second time I've seen this man's video. He's yet another military hero I've seen. He's so captivating. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

@markmcintosh7095 Жыл бұрын

I went to MCRD in 1969. Platoon 3069 maybe I saw you when you were there. Good to see you made it home ok. God Bless.

@fusileer7281 9 ай бұрын

The closing statement you made was spot on. These kids got no idea what combat and its atrocities and horrors are about and my 18-year-old son is one of them I’m a former navy corpsman. I served on two ships one that was in the gulf war and one during peacetime operations. Also served three years with the Marines as their company Corpsman . I’m really glad things worked out for the best for you. May God be with you and your future. Doc HM1 SW/FMF

@Nurse66 Жыл бұрын

I’ve known 2 Vietnam vets who had agent orange exposure… they had knots under their skin in various places, one had them in his lungs too and he died of lung cancer… it was so sad because the war killed them too, just later…. Their names should be added to the memorial…😢😢😢 I want this man’s book!!!❤❤❤

@cosimo7770 Жыл бұрын

and the 100,000s of Vietnamese civilians "who had agent orange exposure"...."the war killed them too". "...Their names should be added to the memorial".

@alvinuselton912 Жыл бұрын

Wow that is a heavy interview ! Great job sir thank you for everything you have done and are still doing for our nation. I hope you have a wonderful long and joy filled retirement with your family. You deserve the best sir. I gained some new perspectives on war, life , and Vietnam. 🗽🇺🇸

@mattkaustickomments Жыл бұрын

Excellent interview. Thank you Craig for your service.

@dannyotter7247 Жыл бұрын

Fascinating and insightful - watched this July 4th 2022, even as a brit I find this stuff informative, thankful and appreciative - freedom isnt free.

@williamfreeh1198 Жыл бұрын

i can not put into words the amount of respect i have for this man. my experiences and feelings mirror his. God bless you sir.

@igintell7295 Жыл бұрын

As someone who is joining the Mennonite faith this hit me very hard. Im so sorry people will never fully understand. You're still a beautiful human

@dkr6617 Жыл бұрын

Hello Craig I was in the Marine Corps reserve from 1973 to 1979 never went overseas. I hold a heavy heart for you and your story it captivated me and I thank you for your service. I will find your book and read it. my name is Don I’m 68 years old graduated April 18, 1973 plt 1009 MCRD

@georgejones5960 Жыл бұрын

God bless you Craig Tschetter and thank you for YOUR service!

@alanrice39 8 ай бұрын

I am a nurse and had a many Vietnam vets as patients, several of them with agent orange exposure, this was the 80’s and the government was still not taking any responsibility, thanks for sharing y,our story, this was very moving

@kawai99100 9 күн бұрын

I finished his book yesterday. Very good.

@sbagwell98 6 күн бұрын

Yes, no kidding my first time the VA took an entire day to see a doctor. Bad as the Corps. After Iraq and Afghanistan boy howdy did the money flow in the VA. So corrupt its pathetic. All I have now is Semper Fi and nightmares.

@06bravo68 11 ай бұрын

I served in Vietnam 1970-1971 . I feel your sentiments exactly, although my experience wasn't as extreme as yours. Welcome home brother. 🇺🇸

@milominder Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service Craig. I'm a 3/5 Marine from the mid-late 80s. No combat. 0331. At about min 49 you said that you learned to fear your own people as much as the enemy. About 18 months into my enlistment during a battalion live fire exercise at 29 Palms, I learned to feer my own. Murder was a remote possibility, but accidents happened multiple times. We had some very close calls. My regiment experienced death from helicopter crashes, accidental discharges, and sheer stupidity mostly of officers.

@user-lq2wn3pd4v 29 күн бұрын

This guy is absolutely wright best interview I have seen on the Vietnam war

@louoneil3044 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Craig, incredible coverage of man’s ultimate insanity, war. Wonderful insights into the problems of combat and war. Two tours and over a thousand missions as a chopper pilot,truly realize I never experienced the horror of my fellow ground marines like yourself. We still need the solutions for our fellow warriors, if not us who? I had the pleasure of knowing Karl when he returned to DC. Thanks again “Louie the Rat”

@case_ku 11 ай бұрын

Being a Missouri Synod Lutheran, I think I was meant to hear this man's story , And I have derived some inspiration, salvation, and encouragement from it, Thank you for the posting this, OP and your story & service , Mr Tschetter

@johntoomey357 Жыл бұрын

That College Professor was a complete POS treating this man this way he even knew the man recently made it back from Vietnam I am totally disgusted the way Americans treated these men who went through hell and made it back home only to be disrespected by our own people This guy went through hell in war and then came home and dealt with his own inside personal hell until getting help If you ever see this former Marine combat Veteran show respect and kindness to this man Happily he seems to be doing well these days I can see him reaching out and helping our Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan with PTSD and other needs God Bless You

@LuvBorderCollies Жыл бұрын

Those same scumbags are the ones running our "higher" education and government, especially Federal and especially in Congress.

@grovepeate3316 Жыл бұрын

I had one place his hand on my leg during a class movie,that was the end of my night classes.

@redtobertshateshandles Жыл бұрын

Those who can't do, teach.

@Haddley333 Жыл бұрын

Interviews like this humble me when I think I'm having a rough day. Thank you for your bravery, then and now.

@koyluhasan4248 Жыл бұрын

In 1965 as a college junior in a suburb near Chicago I met another guy my age, or a few years older who had just come back from serving 2 years in Liberia, Africa, as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer doing community development work in a rural African village speaking the local language which the Peace Corps training taught him and in turn teaching the African locals how to get clean drinking water from newly sunk wells in the village. When he told me that, the next day I went to the local post office in Lisle, Illinois and joined the American Peace Corps. I ended up serving 5 years in country in Turkey and Iran, 1965-1970. Best years of my life.

@brendanmctigue9641 Жыл бұрын

Sir I want you to know that there are a few of us, but we always looked at you guys as heroes. I'm 43.

@asphaltgypsy4390 Жыл бұрын

What an incredible, valiant, brave and honorable group of men and women that went to that hell hole and never forget that 57,000 plus came home quietly. And we did not learn anything from that tragedy; and now we have sacrificed thousands more fighting in lands that have fostered war among themselves for hundreds of years...and we still have not learned 'the lesson'. God bless our fighting men and women and God bless them for their sacrifices, and for the horrors that they have endured.

@wlingrell Жыл бұрын

Very interesting, it is hard to imagine what these young soldiers went through and how they must live with the experiences all their lives. Graig is a honorable man. Thank you Graig for your service and sharing your experience with the rest of us. It was really moving. May God give you peace. Your family is fortunate to have you in their lives.

@GeneMcC Жыл бұрын

Very good Marine! You represent your family, Country and our Corps in the highest degree. We will always have that, won’t we, of the daily thought of why we were so fortunate to make it while others did not. Well, it was like that world war 2 comment said. Welcome Home, Marine! USMC 1967-71 RVN Feb 1968, August 1968- October’69

@brandontaylor7741 Ай бұрын

This is one of the better Vietnam veteran interviews I have ever seen. May God bless this man.

@marcgoldbergdogtrainer Жыл бұрын

I just ordered Craig’s book on Amazon. I also write books (about dogs and dog behavior) and was barely young enough to miss the draft. Because he volunteered and others answered the call, I didn’t have to go. Thank you all for that. I know it was a heavy burden. I went to Vietnam in 2017 and visited their war museum in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Naturally one sided, it was sobering yet the city is filled with vibrancy, KFCs, Burger Kings and Gucci boutiques. Oddly it looks more like we won the war than otherwise. The people are friendly and the food damn near as good as in Thailand. I didn’t go through what so many Americans did…men and women who gave what their country either asked of them or obligated them to do. But Vietnam should not be a forgotten war. And the veterans should not be forgotten either.

@stevenmarquardt3900 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your story I enlisted in 1976 in the army so happy I never had to go to Vietnam,god bless you for all you did and all you had to see, god bless all that went

@donaldjones7678 Жыл бұрын

I was an Army grunt in Vietnam 1971. We were in the Arizona Territory also. Even in 1971 it was bad.

@gregbagwell5543 15 күн бұрын

I respect our veterans so much! I never served, but I feel like I’ve been an amateur historian out of respect for those who did, my father being one of them. He was a flight engineer in a B-17 over Europe during WWII. I’m soon to be 64, and wish I could talk to my dad and get to know him better. He rarely spoke of the war. I was able to fly as a passenger on the B-17 “Texas Raiders” which later tragically crashed in an air show along with another vintage military plane. My brother-in-law fought in Vietnam also, and I know he also brought home demons of his own. After my sister died, I urged my nieces to convince him to go to VA and seek disability , which he finally received the last few years of his life. I lost one of my two sons, so I in a different way understand the grief and depression that doesn’t seem to ever get better. I wish all Americans would appreciate the sacrifices of our military and veterans, and realize even with all of our current problems, we still live in a country with freedoms and opportunities most of the rest of the world doesn’t have.

@leeensalada3336 Жыл бұрын

Semper Fi, Brother.

@oldguyofarizona8602 Жыл бұрын

Hard to understand how such a thoughtful, articulate man is not college material as he said. College is not your materiel sir. Way too smart.

@herman58100 Жыл бұрын

Yet another great interview with a combat veteran. I will be getting the book.

@fiendish67 Жыл бұрын

I was born on your first day in Vietnam, November 23, 1967, Thanksgiving Day. My uncle left for Vietnam that night for his second tour; he was in the 196th LIB, Chu Lai. Served 33 months in Vietnam. Thank you for your service and this video.

@markjfox866 Жыл бұрын

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 what a guy What an interview🥈🥈🥈🥈

@gevans5446 9 ай бұрын

What a story: A potent reminder that the freedom that we take for granted and enjoy every day is not free. Mad respect.

@theroadrunnerjarhead4109 Жыл бұрын

When I reported to 3rd Marine Division headquarters in Danang in 1967 I was sent to 2/9, 3rd Mar Div and told to expect at least one Purple Heart in my tour. They were right.

@bloop6812 Жыл бұрын

Hey buddy in was in Golf Co. 2/9 68-69 Spent a lot of time in the Northern Mountains Near the DMZ, Purple 💜 Also. Pinned it on my Mom at her Funeral.

@theroadrunnerjarhead4109 Жыл бұрын

@@bloop6812 the Ninth Marines were always in the shit. Glad you made it home. Welcome home. I was with echo 2/9 may to Dec. 1967. We operated in and around the strip and the DMZ and places like Con Thien, Camp Carroll, Cam Lo, and between Con Thien and Gio Linh.