Vietnam Voices: 'You're always listening. That's one sound you'll never forget

Vietnam Voices: 'You're always listening. That's one sound you'll never forget - the incoming'

Рет қаралды 372,491

8 жыл бұрын

Vietnam War veteran Ralph McKinney talks about his experiences. McKinney couldn’t decide what to do after graduating from high school and attending college. A guy he knew had been in the Marine Corps, and he thought the work sounded kind of exciting. He joined the Marines in September 1964.

Пікірлер: 420

@dennyt7475 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, I am a 73 year old Vietnam Combat Vet (1966 to 1969) USS Providence and In Country at "Monkey Mountain" by Danang. I am on VA Disability from exposure to Agent Orange. I enlisted in the US Navy when I was 17 years old. Three of my High school friends were killed in Vietnam, I was spared. Participated in the TET Offensive 1968.God bless all Vietnam Vets. You are not forgotten.

@Sage039 3 жыл бұрын

thank you for your service sir. my grandfather is also a Vietnam war veteran. he was in the US navy and due to his exposure to agent orange he's now disabled with parkinson's disease... god bless you and your family💖

@apolonioramon7089 3 жыл бұрын

You say the USS providence,is this some kind of ship.Are you the sob that dropped that shit poison on us. You deserve what you get!!

@smwrbd 3 жыл бұрын

@@apolonioramon7089 ?

@apolonioramon7089 3 жыл бұрын

@@smwrbd Agent Orange: This shit was dropped on us.The planes sprayed us with it. It was done with planes from land and ships. Now,you know!! This fu-kers screwed our health,and now we can't walk our children were born deformed,and all because of this rear m.f.

@DavidThomas-qq4hf 3 жыл бұрын

@@apolonioramon7089 did he say he was a helicopter pilot spraying agent Orange? No...so quit ragging on him.

@austinporter6701 3 жыл бұрын

Who else likes to listen to vets on the weekends with there morning coffee good way to start the day

@bristal1000 3 жыл бұрын

*their morning coffee.

@mikedowns1842 3 жыл бұрын

Yep! let’s make the coffee while listening to another amazing vet life story

@aj200415 3 жыл бұрын

@@bristal1000 Yes! Let’s start our day with a cup of coffee and a D-Bag like Darryl being the Grammar police ruining other people’s mornings! Starts the day off right 😜

@Lidge218 3 жыл бұрын

@@bristal1000 was

@bristal1000 3 жыл бұрын

@@Lidge218 * Happenstance

@24Mossberg 3 жыл бұрын

Very humble guy. Seems like he suppressed a lot of his life. This production probably helped him. Two thumbs up.

@tplandes749 2 жыл бұрын

My dad did two tours, and he is the deadliest man I know.....

@Brindle_Boxer 3 жыл бұрын

I love these stories. Beats the brakes off anything Hollywood puts out.

@spaceghost8995 3 жыл бұрын

One has nothing to do with the other.

@Brindle_Boxer 3 жыл бұрын

@@spaceghost8995 They are both entertaining stories. These just happen to be true, and better. I’m not sure what point you were trying to make. I’m not saying these stories are made up. I’m saying they are better than the movies.

@randykelso4079 2 жыл бұрын

@@spaceghost8995 Except for the fact that the sacrifices made by the veterans helped to secure the freedoms the Hollywooders and the rest of us enjoy.

@SCP1471 2 жыл бұрын

@@randykelso4079 LMAO

@krystalriley10 2 жыл бұрын

Love hearin it from the mouth and none of that censored bullshit from mainstream movies / hollywood

@chaselohmeyer1164 3 жыл бұрын

That nervousness of not being used to being on camera in the beginning of a lot of your videos, before they get comfortable speaking, captures the expression they're trying to articulate perfectly. You wouldn't want to corner this guy.

@codcrewhigh5372 2 жыл бұрын

Bad ass gramps

@ham7357 2 жыл бұрын

What?

@barrykime5580 2 жыл бұрын

@@ham7357 Great man. Americas finest. Thank you for our freedom

@benfranklin3126 Жыл бұрын

I think its scrambling through the memories and trying to figure out what to say and having answers when questions ar being asked. Because I'm sure it was crazy. This guy right here done been through some shit. For sure.

@Cantigny28 2 жыл бұрын

God bless all Vietnam vets and their families. You bore the burden without complaint. You are all heroes and deserve our utmost respect.

@randykelso4079 2 жыл бұрын

The man is right about job assignments to boots back in the day: they were tested for aptitudes and assigned their NEC or MOS according to their abilities. I believe that is better for the country and better for the individual than giving the youngster a choice in the matter. When I went through boot camp in 1962, the detailer had me fill out my "dream sheet". I was clueless as I looked at the puzzling list of rates and picked out the three choices that (to me) sounded like one of my passions: auto mechanics. I later learned that all three choices were "deck rates". The detailer looked at my test scores and said "I think you would be better qualified for the technical rates within aviation, but to get into aviation you must initial here to volunteer. So I did. I had been told by the recruiter that I could not be in aviation or electronics because I'm colorblind. But, like the man being interviewed, at boot camp graduation I was issued orders for Aviation Electronics School. Go figure. It turned out to be the break of my life and I retired at 55 after thirty-some years working as a civilian in the field of aviation electronics. No regrets.

@JoeyMartz 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome story. Thanks for sharing this!

@donburton594 3 жыл бұрын

This guy has a great mindset. In the last few minutes of the interview, it really shines thru. People could learn a great deal from this man.

@Brandon-iv5yz 2 жыл бұрын

I was also there, I also left about when you did in 1967 after the Dong Ha ammo dump got hit. I was also 2nd platoon sgt. Where I extended the perimeter to the road, then I went to Suicide Hill Across the road from the ammo dump. I was Tip Top Alpha. Before Dong Ha I was also in CUA Viet, great place. Also Gio Linh”yikes”. Our fuel dump also got hit. My first tour was mostly DaNang, Tam Ky, and Kham Duc. 65-67, Sgt. Long

@joegamble328 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service sir. Welcome home

@steveheck7754 3 жыл бұрын

Humble, with incredible outlook. You have to admire this man.

@wheelz23 2 жыл бұрын

I've said it in the past and I'll say it again. This is some of the best, real stuff to watch, listen, and learn on, here on KZfaq, period.

@garyluck8502 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for your service everyone please remember the ones that didn’t make it back home!!

@Tbowie13 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Billings Gazette, thank you for putting these men's stories online, so they can be saved for history. Too many experiences go to the Graves with these men. I'm glad your giving them a louder voice to let the future generations hear it in their words, from their mouths!

@mikem3875 2 жыл бұрын

Alot of things go on behind the scenes to keep things moving and running during wartime. Fighting a war isn't just pulling a trigger, this guys job was vital. Thank you for your service

@masterofnone11 2 жыл бұрын

I'm happy the interviewer is knowledgeable about the subject he covers. Welcome change of competency.

@duaneoldfield 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed hearing his story. Much respect for all who served over there

@Chrisuperfly1 Жыл бұрын

Semper Fidelis, Sir, and Thank You.

@Eurotrash4367 4 жыл бұрын

He's a genuinely good person. It would have been nice to see the photos that he brought.

@bryanfields5563 3 жыл бұрын

TOTALLY agree!

@johnnybbgunner2136 2 жыл бұрын

KZfaq would remove the video if any pictures were deemed offensive.

@HistoryandReviews 2 жыл бұрын

@@johnnybbgunner2136 the first amendment doesnt care about offending someone

@johnniebriggs9393 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service! Semper Fi!🙏🏻🇺🇸

@stoneblue1795 7 жыл бұрын

Interesting fellow, thanks for your service Ralph. Well done.

@1murder99 Жыл бұрын

I started my Vietnam journey as a Forward Observer for an Infantry Company about 30 miles Southwest of Hill 55. I did that for 7 months and then went to an artillery unit on a mountain top. We had 7 generators and I was the only one that could keep them operating. We had two 1.5K, two big generators that were 400 cycles that would run our computer and we had two 5Ks and one 10K that supplied all the power for the entire LZ. I went on R and R in August of 1969 and when I got back all the generators were dead except for one of the computer generators. It would run a light bulb but it was dim. It would not run a fan and when you are living in a sand bag bunker you want a fan. All of them had been hit by mortar fire and fixing them was hard but after about a week I managed to get them all running again.

@lorettabrail7806 2 жыл бұрын

Watching these interviews is way better than tv or movies! Just amazing! Thank-you! This man is a great dad you can tell! Awesome!

@jeffkerr4249 5 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU RALPH !

@milliebanks7209 3 жыл бұрын

One thing! Ralph was throughly prepared! Wonderful interview. Thanks and welcome home soldier!

@chiphargis3703 2 жыл бұрын

Marine

@mrcody333cam 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your service to our country mr McKinney . Glad you made it back. I find your experience relatable for some reason. Based on this interview, I think you and are have similar personality traits. Optimist in spite of all your faced with and a sense of curiosity as to how things work. 🇺🇸

@cdp200442 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for doing these interviews.. our great grandchildren will appreciate very much seeing the stories from the men that were there.

@swartznoone 10 ай бұрын

Tk you sir for your service. Which this generation had the brass balls you all had.

@peloneretana9460 5 жыл бұрын

Thank You Sir 🙏🏽🇺🇸

@Clemsontiger21487 Жыл бұрын

These men were just built different

@tonyd6848 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service Sir! I appreciate you as do many Americans. God bless!

@davidbrennan3613 3 жыл бұрын

God bless him a very honest and descent man

@jimmyandkathyharrell 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Ralph!

@catherinesplane98 3 жыл бұрын

ALL THESE STORIES AND EVERY SERVICEMAN ARE OUTSTANDING ❤❤🖤🖤❤❤💜💜

@incognitoflamingo Ай бұрын

My tradition is to listen to as much as these as possible on memorial day

@neilwood8755 2 жыл бұрын

I’m from the u.k and I find these interviews fascinating anyone who served in Vietnam I applaud you all !!! The war put sure a high price on American society even to this day I can only wonder what their experiences were through Their eyes only they will ever know the horrors of Vietnam pity that war ever happened 😢

@RealKlausSchwab 2 жыл бұрын

Such a great resource and tribute to the millions of Americans affected by this war over generations. Thank you.

@davidreinhart2508 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your life with us in this video and thanks for risking it for this country. I pray you find or have found peace in your life. Blessings.

@rogerwilliams2629 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your service!!

@colemcclain7319 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service!

@garneauweld1100 Жыл бұрын

It takes courage! Thank you, sir

@edwinsalau150 2 жыл бұрын

This man speaks the truth. No embellishments.Semper Fi!

@billycumbie6148 2 жыл бұрын

Those eyes..

@retro9590 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for giving these amazing men a space to tell their story. This is real history.

@mr19471985 2 жыл бұрын

Been to both places he was stationed at. During my time 55 was 5th Marines and An Hoa was 7th Marines.

@christopherrios9009 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir for sharing your story. It’s so cool to see a legit pair of “Ho Chi Minh” sandals.

@texasaggie8449 Жыл бұрын

As a fish in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M in 1980 we learned to use an iron to heat/cook food in our “holes”. I always wondered who figured that out.

@seller559 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@jonathonmorris6284 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service Sir

@Blazefork 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service

@chriswilliams2891 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so very much to all the men and woman who so unselfishly served and currently serve this great United States of America.

@Brough1111 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your service, I also worked forty years for the phone company with techs that started as Marine radio techs, you seem so well adjusted.

@bayougtr 6 жыл бұрын

Dam! My uncle sent me a few pair of those HoChi sandals when I was a kid. My dad had a few pair that he wore until he died in ‘08.

@Kwhopperfan Жыл бұрын

Good Man Right there, glad he made it out. It’s good to hear some positive stories from veterans. Thank you for your service.

@jeanmariebach4139 2 жыл бұрын

God Bless Thank You for your service.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️

@hilldwler420 Жыл бұрын

I’m sure that’s something that never goes away never leaves your thoughts. Thank you sir for your service and sacrifices.

@bartpowers9972 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing conversation with a most excellent man 👍🙏

@jamesmurray3082 3 жыл бұрын

Yes.interesting to hear from the vets instead of someone else telling a story.movies and such.i could listin all day.thank you for going.

@joewinter237 2 жыл бұрын

I've been serving for 9 years and have been listening to vets talk about ww2, Korean and Vietnam War on my way to work each day to remind myself of what was sacrificed before me. And to learn of their heroing lives

@leewithey2014 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service and story.

@MrJRYLANDER 3 жыл бұрын

all this mans friends went on to own a business, or mastered a trade. so, learn a trade and work for yourself. instead of a “debt degree”... they may be old, but knew how to live a reap American life! godspeed sir!!

@spaceghost8995 3 жыл бұрын

Times are totally different now.

@randykelso4079 2 жыл бұрын

@@spaceghost8995 ...but hard work is still rewarding...

@lemuelyoungblood5756 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks very grateful for your service

@Veronica-vo6du 2 жыл бұрын

I saw this interview a year ago and think I read somewhere that this HERO of a Marine passed away 2 years ago. If this is true then the angels in heaven were certainly singing amd welcoming home and this earth lost a GEM ✨️ 💞

@harveynichols7298 Жыл бұрын

Ralph is alive and well. I camped with him a few weeks ago. A true hero!

@daviswall3319 2 жыл бұрын

Great interview. Very interesting part of our history. Thank you thank you thank you

@jryan2313 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Marine

@burtthebeast4239 3 жыл бұрын

Welcome Home, Thank you Sir, God bless you ALL 🙏

@kevinmcnamara2082 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you to all or you vets

@andyace78 2 жыл бұрын

What a lovely man and although I’m not American as a British person the stories are so sad with a government selling out their own troops. R.I.P to all that never came back

@Damidas 3 жыл бұрын

I don't think Ralph saw enough action for the interviewer.. you can tell he wanted him to say something horrific. It's refreshing to hear the stories of the soldiers that weren't traumatized

@oldfart4711 3 жыл бұрын

He wasn’t a soldier! He was a MARINE!

@BluelightIsnice 3 жыл бұрын

Stop assuming . When you dont know shit , its better shutting the hell up :)

@barrymcclaughry9229 2 жыл бұрын

I was army and always have much respect for marines

@michaelfay794 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your service brother. Enjoy your memories. Welcome home.

@PeetzaPieAmore 3 жыл бұрын

He's got the thousand yard stare. You can tell a lot about the man's eyes he's seen some shit. God bless our Veterans.

@apolonioramon7089 3 жыл бұрын

He does not have the thousand yard stare.I know about that.I wish they would interview me,so they can know the true life of a GRUNT.

@rogerleckington3908 3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree

@Hammerback972 3 жыл бұрын

@@apolonioramon7089 ask. Like a man. Don’t wish. GRUNT

@apolonioramon7089 3 жыл бұрын

@@Hammerback972 I object,you say ask like a man. What do you know about being a man? FKY!!

@apolonioramon7089 3 жыл бұрын

@@cappystrano1 Bull!! Pretenders are a dime a dozen. Q #1. Bamboo Water Q#2. Jungle rut Q#3. Ambush stakeout. Q#4. How many sandbags to dress a foxhole. Do you know the answer's?

@alethamobley6688 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You for your service SIR!

@paulashford4155 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you got home safe... enjoyed hearing your story.

@beerborn 16 күн бұрын

I'm a retired USAF Vet. When he mentioned he was on Radio Relay, I too was on Radio Relay microwave and Tropo Communications in the Air Force. It was the best career field in the Air Force because they could put you in any part of the globe to maintain the equipment to keep communication going during peacetime. You could be on a mountaintop far away from the air base and no one would mess with you and play those silly war games on base. Sometimes people on base wouldn't even know you existed on a mountaintop. But it was great and I'd do it all over again. But sadly those communications sites around the globe are all gone and are just abandoned buildings from relics of the past.

@Nat3_H1gg3rs 4 жыл бұрын

thanks for your service pog

@andrewhill4986 3 жыл бұрын

This man has a n. Excellent radio voice.

@yuvegotmale 4 жыл бұрын

Was at Da Nang 69 - 70 . Went back in 2017....many changes and China Beach is very developed.

@matta443 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Welcome home.

@robertaccornero7172 3 жыл бұрын

Greetings Bro, Was at Phu Cat 69-70 also, the next AFB south of Da Nang

@Rollercoaster555 2 жыл бұрын

Why did you go back

@yuvegotmale 2 жыл бұрын

@@Rollercoaster555 My son was living in Hong Kong and on my visit he surprised me with a trip there. I really enjoyed it...it has changed so much.

@Rollercoaster555 2 жыл бұрын

@@yuvegotmale yo Byron thanks for comeback I just figured I would ask.people ask me if I would I tell them no why would I to many painful memories it is what it is we lost that's all I got.best of luck to you in the rest of your life

@bandguy360 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Ralph

@rachellewalters8111 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service Ralph! GOD BLESS :)

@schrecks69 3 жыл бұрын

i always wondered how they named the hills... never guessed sea level... thanks for the info and ur service!!!

@danklordsupreme8864 3 жыл бұрын

I always just figured they named them in the order they found them. Nope, sea level it is.

@johnnybbgunner2136 2 жыл бұрын

Explains the low digits and why we never heard of a hill2020.

@britgerus4503 Жыл бұрын

Great interview, pretty laid back n realistic... Many thx

@annb9422 2 жыл бұрын

If you see this Big respect to you sir @Ralph McKinney ❤🇺🇸

@midasmoore242 2 жыл бұрын

Love and Respect!

@stumeister6891 3 жыл бұрын

I wish that the interviewer would have asked these veterans to bring in a photo of themselves from when they entered the service and have them hold it up to the camera while they introduce themselves, if they felt comfortable doing that?

@madhatter1767 Жыл бұрын

I am from Canada I have the most respect for these men all heros that fought and died for there country I could never understand how they were so overlooked they paid the ultimate price I am glad finally they finally being accepted for what they did any vet in any war should should be honored and respected it was not a war Canada was in but you were fighting for our freedom too and I personally thank you for service

@robertisham5279 Жыл бұрын

They weren't heroes they're survivors.

@SuperOlds88 Жыл бұрын

Nice interview. This gentleman is a good storyteller, you can tell he isnt adding any BS to his stories. He would be a good person to have as a friend I think.

@ToyotatechDK 3 жыл бұрын

This was a good one

@1murder99 Жыл бұрын

Glad you made it home Ralph, hope you are well.

@bryanfields5563 3 жыл бұрын

I'm STUNNED to see 69 downvotes for this video. Who ARE those people?!?!!!!

@CuHead1 2 жыл бұрын

Hunter Biden and the TV personalities who interview him, Immigrants from the Vietnam area, BLM and BIG ((blacklivesmatter & blacksingovernment), Silicon Valley execs & suckups, Democrats, RINOs, Xi Jinping...

@robertisham5279 Жыл бұрын

People with a brain. All these Vietnam videos are basically BS. These veterans willingly chose to go to an unwinnable, illegal war. If they say otherwise they are promoting a falsehood. A lot of these people push the image that they could or did win the war, but the "politicians" and the "people back home" lost it. Vietnam was a national American disgrace, tragedy and defeat...and they share in the responsibility of it. The politicians and American people saw that the war was not being won, or was unwinnable. The US never really had the "hearts and minds" of the South Vietnamese people...who they supposedly were fighting for. They don't talk much about the war crimes they committed against the Vietnamese....OR even against their own personnel. Lastly, whether these guys won or lost...the Vietnam war had absolutely NO effect on American freedom, security, safety or way of life. They did NOT sacrifice anything for my...or your freedom. These veterans present themselves as victims and wrongly treated. They are big boys and went to a country to kill or be killed. They shared in the failure. Now they want to be recognized for their "sacrifice" through videos, Honor Flights, endless trips to the Wall in DC or to Vietnam itself. They never grew up and really moved on. They have made themselves an embarrassment to themselves and my generation.

@lastofthefinest 3 жыл бұрын

Semper Fi brother! I spent 4 in the Corps and 6 in the Army. I’m a disabled OEF veteran. I'll also share something with you. In my Army unit, my 1st. Sgt. was a Vietnam veteran and a girl in my unit was Vietnamese. I use to think, if it was 40 years ago, they would probably have been on opposite sides and possibly enemies.

@edd1e22 3 жыл бұрын

Top would’ve served with her dad. Most Vietnamese that came stateside were South!Vietnamese.

@kvkcoils8011 3 жыл бұрын

This is a good listen/interview, kinda takes you there , in a way ... I wish OP / producer would list in description his gear (mics, cameras, etc )

@kaypye8001 3 жыл бұрын

I feel for them!!!!!!!

@mwhitelaw8569 2 жыл бұрын

Years on I wish Mr McKinney all the best

@mggailitis7231 3 жыл бұрын

These interviews are compelling and much appreciated. What would make this series even better is if you got in contact with soldiers from the other side in order to share their stories. One of the things about these interviews that stands out is that most didn't enter the war with a politician's mindset. They were either drafted or felt some abstract need to "serve their country." I would love to hear perspectives from the other side.

@CoIoneIPanic Жыл бұрын

Inapproopriate. Most of these soldiers are still fighting that enemy in their minds.

@greensombrero3641 Жыл бұрын

a brilliant record.

@markhankins3023 3 жыл бұрын

The interviewer kept interrupting the Veteran and seemed quite cavalier to me. I think the interviewer, was afraid he wasn’t entertaining enough, bounced around too much.

@benwinter2420 3 жыл бұрын

Yep I/m out

@paulprigge1209 3 жыл бұрын

@@benwinter2420 This guy doing the interviewing has done a lot of it. Don’t agree disagree but he is not a rookie doing the interviews. I think it varies with me frame of mind I’m in Listening to him

@bryanfields5563 3 жыл бұрын

Huh - I don't get that at all - I think the interview subject set a pretty affable tone and the interviewer rolled with it. Seems like a very comfortable, informative exchange to me.

@markhankins3023 3 жыл бұрын

@@bryanfields5563 are you a Veteran?

@bryanfields5563 3 жыл бұрын

@@markhankins3023 nope, I didn’t have the nerve coming outta high school that men like this one had.