U.S. honors Veterans on first official National Vietnam War Veterans Day

YES, giving credit where credit is due: March 29, 2012 President Obama signs Presidential Proclamation creating Vietnam Veterans Day.

I know that with the 3+million American young men/women who served in Vietnam, we needed those at home, state-side to be supporting us; like Trump, screwing as many young women as he could while we were overseas, and then him having to “…fight his own personal Vietnam war avoiding STDs.” And I especially understand how a person could blatantly disrespect a Gold Star Family, having made the ‘Ultimate Sacrifice’ since Trump sacrifices so much when he’s signing documents and missing a round of golf.

I say “Welcome Home” my vet brothers. Let’s except our day and work together to help those coming home now. Our world war two vets never excepted Viet Nam vets or Korea vets as war hero’s because it wasn’t “the big war”. I say anyone serving in the military where ever they were serving are hero’s. The most important thing at this point is never again turning our backs on those serving our country. Those that have served in those military wars since Vietnam deserve our highest respect. Let’s not ever disrespect our military again.

This is NOT the FIRST OFFICIAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY. President Obama signed a PROCLAMATION in 2012 and we in NYC have been commemorating it every year since. Here’s the proclamation from Obama!The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate ReleaseMarch 29, 2012
Presidential Proclamation — Vietnam Veterans Day

VIETNAM VETERANS DAY

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

On January 12, 1962, United States Army pilots lifted more than 1,000 South Vietnamese service members over jungle and underbrush to capture a National Liberation Front stronghold near Saigon. Operation Chopper marked America’s first combat mission against the Viet Cong, and the beginning of one of our longest and most challenging wars. Through more than a decade of conflict that tested the fabric of our Nation, the service of our men and women in uniform stood true. Fifty years after that fateful mission, we honor the more than 3 million Americans who served, we pay tribute to those we have laid to rest, and we reaffirm our dedication to showing a generation of veterans the respect and support of a grateful Nation.

The Vietnam War is a story of service members of different backgrounds, colors, and creeds who came together to complete a daunting mission. It is a story of Americans from every corner of our Nation who left the warmth of family to serve the country they loved. It is a story of patriots who braved the line of fire, who cast themselves into harm’s way to save a friend, who fought hour after hour, day after day to preserve the liberties we hold dear. From Ia Drang to Hue, they won every major battle of the war and upheld the highest traditions of our Armed Forces.

Eleven years of combat left their imprint on a generation. Thousands returned home bearing shrapnel and scars; still more were burdened by the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress, of Agent Orange, of memories that would never fade. More than 58,000 laid down their lives in service to our Nation. Now and forever, their names are etched into two faces of black granite, a lasting memorial to those who bore conflict’s greatest cost.

Our veterans answered our country’s call and served with honor, and on March 29, 1973, the last of our troops left Vietnam. Yet, in one of the war’s most profound tragedies, many of these men and women came home to be shunned or neglected — to face treatment unbefitting their courage and a welcome unworthy of their example. We must never let this happen again. Today, we reaffirm one of our most fundamental obligations: to show all who have worn the uniform of the United States the respect and dignity they deserve, and to honor their sacrifice by serving them as well as they served us. Half a century after those helicopters swept off the ground and into the annals of history, we pay tribute to the fallen, the missing, the wounded, the millions who served, and the millions more who awaited their return. Our Nation stands stronger for their service, and on Vietnam Veterans Day, we honor their proud legacy with our deepest gratitude.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 29, 2012, as Vietnam Veterans Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the 50 year anniversary of the Vietnam War.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

Didn’t hear about this in the news. I will never forget those who didn’t come home! 9th division, 2/4 arty, 1967-1968.

God Bless us all and those we left behind. As a 100% Disabled 24 year Retired Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, I proudly served from 1965-1966 in Vietnam having flown over 200 combat missions in the F4B Phantom. Thanks to all my fellow Patriots who remember us and continue to honor us today as we, like so many others before us, fade into history. Semper Fi and OOOoooorah and God Bless the USA.

I spent two tours In Country. .I am glad our President Trump and Senator Pat Toomey from my State honored the Vietnam Vets , (especially the fallen) . We are finally are getting this well deserved recognition!

I have been watching a historical review of the war from beginning to end. I wanted to get a better understanding of the big picture and the Govt mistakes . I found some important facts to understand and share. I would like to see what other Vets think on these points:
1) JFK felt the South Vietnamese had the primary responsibility to defend South Vietnam,, not Americans . He sent advisers but no combat troops. LBJ changed that to a America first defense policy without fully assessing if the South Vietnamese were willing to totally commit & draft their sons to their own defense.Also the S Vietnamese did not have the population behind them. Two important factors that should have told us to punt. We didn’t!
2) When I was there in Saigon (67-68) there were thousands of able bodied S. Vietnamese men of combat age running their scooters all over the streets. I wondered why they were not drafted until after the Tet offensive in Jan 1968. Americans had 500K troops just before Tet , Yet the S. Vietnamese had just under 150K. This made no sense when it was primarily their country to defend …not ours. We were providing the Money, Arms, and Men,and they were proving,, their hand out, complaints & a token response.
3) The war was run by LBJ and decisions to advance or withdraw over the same ground went over and over again. Bien Hoa AFB was hit every other night , Yet we couldn’t strike a Buddhist launching point nearby. This made no sense to the loss of millions of $$ in damaged planes..
4)And the big one is this>> so consider the implications: No serious bombing of Hanoi or of Haiphong Harbor was done until Nixon ordered in in 1970… with the massive B-52s. That’s serious bombing but 10 years to late. We are at war & North Vietnam is invading the South, yet only tactical bombing outside Hanoi happened before Nixon’s order in 1970. This is absurd!

Conclusions: First, although Americans never lost a battle in Vietnam our Politicians and Military Leaders at the top lost this war on strategy They failed to first evaluate if S Vietnam had the 100% commitment to sacrifice it all for their own defense,… before sending US combat troops. I did not see a 100% commitment & winning attitude from ARVN. when I was there..
Second, if American combat troops are going in, then the B52s should be laying waste to the enemy before them from day one at the heart of Hanoi and Hyphong Harbor…not ten years to late. Haiphong is where all war materials arrived.. The enemy was there but we didn’t destroy him. This losing strategy caused the defeat! It was not in any way the Veterans who served there’s fault. We won every battle. I remain proud that I served my country during a difficult war. I hope our leaders learn not to let this happen again. To much was lost! USA USA USA Don Houk USAF

God Bless and Guide you Mr. President! There are a great number of Vietnam Veterans that suffer. Thank you. And all that fought for this recognition.

This is over due, greatful that the honor is being shown.We need to honor the WWII front line men who returned last to no glory. All veterans from any point in time deserve our greatest respect.

The Battle of Getlin’s Corner; March 30, 1967

By Karl Garson, LT USNR, Vietnam

March 30, 2017: Today is the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Getlin’s Corner during which my good friend and fellow Naval Aviator, Marine Captain Ralph Byron (Barney) Pappas, and 14 other Marines were killed. Barney flew for VMA-211. Barney was awarded the Navy Cross with, I believe, five stars, and, posthumously, the DFC.

More information about Barney, Captain Micael Peter Getlin, Second Lt. John P. Bobo and Corporal John Leon Loweranitis appears below.

KIA at Getlin’s Corner

Headquarters &Security Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines
Capt Ralph B. Pappas, Presidio, CA (Ground FAC)
LCpl Roman R. Villamor, Warren, MI
Pfc Donald W. Krick, Cleveland, OH

I Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines
Capt Michael P. Getlin, La Grange, IL, Company Commander (Navy Cross)
2ndLt John P. Bobo, Niagara Falls, NY, Platoon Leader (Medal of Honor)
Cpl John L. Loweranitis, Du Bois, PA (Navy Cross)
Cpl Walter J. Nerad, Maple Heights, OH
Cpl David A. Siemon, Springdale, PA
LCpl James E. Blevins, Empire, OH
LCpl Larry H. Crumbaker, Salem, OH
Pfc Albert G. Anter, Central Falls, RI
Pfc Ruben M. Armenta, Pico Rivera, CA
Pfc Edward E. Cannon, Avon Park, FL
Pfc Frank H. Thomas, Pompano Beach, FL
Pfc Wallace Williams, New York, NY

About Captain Ralph Byron (Barney) Pappas

Captain Pappas befriended me while he was a pilot with VMA-211 at Chu Lai. He was always friendly and I appreciated his demeanor. He was a fine Marine and I think of him often. Sgt. John J.(Joe) Langheim

Captain Pappas was the Forward Air Observer attached to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines on March 30, 1967. Our company had been split into three seperate units for the purpose of setting up night ambush positions. Captain Pappas was with our CP Group which also included the 2nd and 3rd Squads of the 2nd Platoon. The North Vietnamese Army (NVA) attacked our small unit on Hill 70 which became known as “Getlin’s Corner” in honor of our CO Michael Getlin also KIA. I remember Captain Pappas calmly attempting to call in air support for our greatly outnumbered Marines. Enemy mortars, heavy machine guns and grenades were all over us as Captain Pappas was mortally wounded. The Grunts had the utmost respect for our FAO because even though they were pilots, they were willing to spend months in the bush on the ground to provide us the very best air support possible. The Grunts of the “Flaming I” who survived Getlin’s Corner will always remember our Marine brother Captain Ralph Byron Pappas. Semper Fidelis Jack Riley, 2nd Squad Leader 2nd Platoon, India Company 3rd Bn. 9th Marines 1966 – 1967

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS posthumously to CAPTAIN RALPH B. PAPPAS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot and flight leader of a jet attack aircraft section attached to and serving with Marine Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN in the Republic of Vietnam on 26 January 1967. During a night air strike covering three downed helicopters, their crews and passengers, Captain Pappas, skillfully maneuvering his flight under flares in a target area, carried out daring bomb runs along the perimeter of the downed Marines in great danger of annihilation by an encircling communist force. Despite the ever-present threat of intense enemy automatic weapons fire and the hazardous flying conditions of extremely mountainous terrain in the immediate target area, Captain Pappas’ strike contributed materially toward maintaining inviolate the defensive perimeter of the beleaguered Marines, and to their successful extraction at the advent of daylight. By accuracy and courageous conduct in the face of grave personal risk, he reflected that selfless devotion to duty so in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. For the President, Paul R. Ignatius Secretary of the Navy

About Captain Michael Peter Getlin

The Navy Cross Citation:

The Navy Cross is presented to Michael Peter Getlin, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer, Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 March 1967.

The company was engaged in establishing platoon night ambush sites against communist insurgent forces in Quang Tri Province when all elements became engaged simultaneously, and the company’s command group and a small security element were attacked by a North Vietnamese reinforced company utilizing heavy automatic weapons fire and mortar barrages.

Captain Getlin, despite multiple shrapnel and gunshot wounds, while under constant mortar and small-arms fire, remained on the exposed forward slope of the hill where he calmly called in artillery fire and directed helicopter strikes on the advancing enemy.

When the attack built to the point of overrunning the Marine position, Captain Getlin moved to the most critical position and delivered devastating shotgun fire into the assaulting enemy. The barrel of his weapon split due to the rate of fire. With complete disregard for the danger involved, he reloaded and continued to fire, personally killing at least six enemy soldiers.

Realizing that the position was not tenable, Captain Getlin directed his men to move to a better position while he covered their move. At this time three grenades fell within his immediate position. He threw one grenade back at the enemy and was mortally wounded attempting to retrieve the others.

As a result of his professional ability, extraordinary courage, and stirring example, the Marines gained the new position and repulsed the enemy attack of over sixty North Vietnamese. Captain Getlin’s great personal valor reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

About Second Lieutenant John P. Bobo
The Congressional Medal of Honor Citation
Second Lieutenant John P. Bobo
United States Marine Corps
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Weapons Platoon Commander, Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division, in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Viet Nam, on 30 March 1967.
Company I was establishing night ambush sites when the command group was attacked by reinforced North Vietnamese company supported by heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire. Lieutenant Bobo immediately organized a hasty defense and moved from position to position encouraging the outnumbered Marines despite the murderous enemy fire. Recovering a rocket launcher from among the friendly casualties, he organized a new launcher team and directed its fire into the enemy machine gun position.
When an exploding enemy mortar round severed Lieutenant Bobo’s right leg below the knee, he refused to be evacuated and insisted upon being placed in a firing position to cover the movement of the command group to a better location. With a web belt around his leg serving as a tourniquet and with his leg jammed into the dirt to curtail the bleeding, he remained in this position and delivered devastating fire into the ranks of the enemy attempting to overrun the Marines.
Lieutenant Bobo was mortally wounded while firing his weapon into the main point of the enemy attack but his valiant spirit inspired his men to heroic efforts, and his tenacious stand enabled the command group to gain a protective position where it repulsed the enemy onslaught.
Lieutenant Bobo’s superb leadership, dauntless courage, and initiative reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Lyndon B. Johnson
President of the United States
About Corporal John Leon Loweranitis
Navy Cross Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John Leon Loweranitis, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Company Messenger of Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 March 1967.
The company was engaged in establishing platoon night ambush sites against communist insurgent forces in the Quang Tri Province when the company command group and a small security element were attacked by a North Vietnamese reinforced company utilizing heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire.
At the initiation of the action Corporal Loweranitis moved through intense fire to the 60-mm. mortar position, reorganized the crew and delivered effective fire on the machine gun positions that were raking the Marine positions. When the mortar ammunition was expended he again exposed himself to small-arms fire and grenades as he moved from position to position evacuating wounded to the reverse slope of the hill. When the North Vietnamese Army attempted to overrun the Marine positions, he moved to the most threatened point and personally accounted for five enemy kills.
Although wounded by small-arms fire and grenade fragments on two separate occasions, he refused to leave his position and resolutely covered the withdrawal of the command group to a more tenable position until he fell, mortally wounded.
His heroic action, with complete disregard for his own life, allowed the Marines to gain the new position and account for numerous enemy casualties. By his outstanding courage, exceptional fortitude and valiant fighting spirit, Corporal Loweranitis served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.