Long before he found fame riding alongside fellow 70’s heartthrob Erik Estrada in the hit TV series “CHiPs”, Larry Wilcox took on a very different role, one far less glamorous and that won him few fans. In May of 1967, the then 19-year-old, knowing the draft was looming, followed in his older brother’s footsteps and joined the Marine Corps. His unit, the 12th Marines, fought in Vietnam in the I Corps which ranged in areas from Dong Ha to the DMZ and Con Thien, and eventually, the Tet Offensive.
“We were a recon survey team which was inserted by helicopter to survey a mountain top or area for an Artillery Fire Base and upon completion would then run the FDC (Fire Direction Control) by using and computing distance, range, and azimuth via Slide Rule for 105 Howitzer, 155, 175 and 8-inch Artillery,” he explains.
Wilcox actually credits growing up in Wyoming’s ranch life as helping him deal with the rigors of being a soldier. “Growing up in Wyoming amongst pragmatic cowboys was helpful as I transitioned to Vietnam and War. Wyoming was a place where the seasons could romantically hug you and mankind could slap you. The mentality regarding adversity was, find a solution, and move forward-charge! Blissful youth prepped with “cowboy try” is how I coped with the Tet Offensive. I learned to tackle adversity with solutions and not pity.”
He was honorably discharged in 1973 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. His unit was awarded three stars for unit commendation during various operations they ran during the Vietnam Campaign, and he was personally awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal by the Commandant of the Marine Corps in Vietnam, and was invited to attend Officer Candidate School, but declined.
Like many Vietnam vets, his homecoming was not the joyous event it should have been.
“My memories of my returning home to San Francisco were ugly and I did not understand why people spat on you for risking your life,” he remembers. However, there was one bright spot.
“As I left the airport, I didn’t have much money as a young Marine and was excited to go and visit my older brother in the area. I took a bus to an area near my brother, Randy, who was also in the Marines during the Cuban Missile Crisis. I then took a taxi, and the taxi driver took me for what seemed like many miles to my brother and his wife’s apartment. I got out and asked him how much, and he (an older man) very quietly stared at me deeply and then quietly said, “Nothing…it is free. Welcome home Marine and thank you for your service.”
His stare was haunting….as we both knew we had both served in war without asking where he had been. It was a spiritual hug of sorts. Of course, he did not realize that the taxi fair would have taken most of my cash, and he didn’t realize how meaningful that free taxi ride was after the airport and the hippie protesters. It was a nice surprise and I was humbled and very grateful. I often wallow in the memory and how special the gift was as his eyes gave me the “gift”. And, hey, who knows how little cash he had in HIS pocket at the time of such sincere generosity!
I have handled the negativity with a certain amount of denial and anger over the years. Then Vietnam became fashionable so the guys who did not go to Vietnam who are my age usually apologize in some subtle or overt way when they talk about Vietnam and how they were not drafted, or they write some “script” that I listen with quiet sensitivity to and know that it is fiction. In most cases “they” are now in denial to some extent.”
Like many vets, Wilcox says he brought home the demons of war with him and believes he suffers from some form of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). He also wonders about the use of Agent Orange.
“I think that anyone who spent 13 long months in the Jungles of Vietnam has some PTSD, including me. The subtly of PTSD is often part of a reclusive life and anti social behavior. Anyway, I have never felt that anything but forward motion should be addressed and not inertia. I believe the friction coefficient for forward motion is reduced with psychological counseling.
I used to not believe I suffered from PTSD, however I had some alarming signals that I did not recognize in my past. Sobbing at speaking engagements on Memorial Day or a police funeral were wake up signs. Being a celebrity spokesperson for Save the Flag video and sobbing as I tried to get through the provocative dialogue was another signal. Bugles saying goodbye with the melancholy TAPS always elicits a lot of pain and memories for me. What helps me to avoid it is to never listen to TAPS, never speak at funeral-like ceremonies, keep busy with work and some continued counseling coupled with a family support system.
Vietnam and Agent Orange have been a very ugly form of denial for America’s youth, as it has evolved through the overt cancer and other side effects in many soldiers. Once again, this issue requires MONEY and MONEY drives many decisions in life. The Agent Orange issue has improved remarkably but required many deaths and many cases to bring attention to this defoliant we used in Nam called Agent Orange. To the best of my knowledge, I do not believe that I have any issues with Agent Orange; however, I did have a very large 8 cm fibrous tumor removed from my lung and heart area that was growing like a head of lettuce. Not sure where that benign fibrous tumor came from…
Perhaps things are different today for Vets because of media and the historic education the American population got from the ill treatment of the Vietnam Veteran. I think people realized that when a man risks his life for his country and for the leaders who found ways to avoid the draft, avoid military service through the National Guard or something thereof, America finally realized that death, and dismemberment and war injuries are HUGE sacrifices. The psychological loss of boys and their boyhood is another sad sacrifice that warrants paragraphs but I will not indulge in such catharsis. However, the inner rewards are significant.”
While many media outlets have been comparing the current conflict in Afghanistan with Vietnam and even labeling it “Obama’s Vietnam”, Wilcox disagrees that any comparisons at all can be made between the two.
“Most people in the “know” understand that these wars have different agendas versus what the President of the United States or the media tell us. Many books came out before the Pentagon Papers explaining to us what Vietnam was protecting capitalism against the bad word, called communism. Many Presidents lied to the American public about this war while many mothers lost their wonderful 18 year old sons and daughters who had been conditioned to honor his/her country with being a SOLDIER, the irony or paradox of ”Be All You Can Be”. The question really is “Who dictates what is right or wrong” and perhaps as that is defined we can compare and define some clarity in the wars. This is an awful word to be plural.
In Afghanistan the sacrifices seems worse than Vietnam but not as many boys will or have been killed. I think we are in another bad war and each month we complicate the exit strategy with rhetoric and with media.”
Wilcox has two sons still living at home, ages 17 and 19 and says if they wanted to follow in his footsteps and join the military, he wouldn’t stand in their way.
“I would allow them to join the military but I would first attempt to teach them “spirit honing” and a compass and map. I would teach them that vocabulary is not wisdom. I would educate them with multiple points of view and with passion hoping to teach them principled discernment as this is a work in progress for all of us. I would share with them what leadership is and is not. I would provoke inner debate, and logic patterns. I would try to show clarity and not wordsmithng. I would share with them what loyalty is and is not. I would attempt to share with them what HONOR means short term and long term and not to be misled. I would attempt to make sure that their choices were made with logic and values and I would honor their choices with my own loyalty and unconditional love and respect. The same unconditional love and respect we would ask from the President who asks us to give our lives for the Country in good faith!
I would tell them that a leader, whether a Pope, or a pauper should be questioned with their own inner debate. I would remind them that they will make mistakes, but, to continue to try and put their signature on their lives with more deposits than withdrawals. I would tell them to perpetuate a better offspring than themselves and if they have no offspring then to help society with principled mentoring. I would try to add a good base, a base of wisdom for them as litmus paper with a historic signature. I would tell them to beware of judgment and focus on inner truth and good intent. Educating one on discernment is a lifelong task filled with reward and injury. I would tell them to give community service and try to give more than they take. I would tell them to take the high road with good intent. I would tell them to love themselves and their family unconditionally.
I would tell them that the military is a personal choice and it is a choice you may or may not be destined for but for me, it was an envelope of time blessed with some defining inner clarity. There may not be martyrdom, or reciprocity from the external forces, but there will be inner rewards that will forever honor one’s signature on one’s life and the depth of such a choice in this dimension. I would remind them that neither friend nor foe, neither government nor spectators will define who they are…..but their history of time honored choices will define them and give them inner peace and honor that cannot be stolen!”
Despite the pain and horrors of Vietnam, Wilcox says he doesn’t regret his own service to the country.
“I am very proud to have served with the Few, the Proud, the Marines. The evolution of such a person, his character, his quiet honor, and his core beliefs comes from many experiences that shed a unique light on something called truth. Truth can change with geography, and can change with history and time, but one’s inner truth in war, is searing, and more clearly defined. This definition of truth runs deeper than a spectator’s definition.
Perhaps my joining the Marines was a positive, adding enormous amounts of clarity for my soul. I had and have relationships in Vietnam that I will never have again. But it was lonely and scary and I know I must have had some protective golden shield around me from my poor old Mom or God. Night often brought the scream of an incoming rocket, or the hiss of an artillery round coming at you as small arms sounded like July 4th fireworks. Think of the boys who slept with “death” as their friends lie bleeding or dead in the night of a monsoon soaked triple canopy jungle waiting for daylight and the angelic hum of the MediVac with body bags. I often wondered about the “reciprocity of their truth” and their inner reward or injury.
Now that I am older, and grateful for the over 50,000 men and women who gave their LIVES for this country I know my destiny was defined with the honor to make this choice. As Vietnam Vets continue to move through the wall and into the dimension of death, one struggles with the rhetoric and our futility within a system encumbered with greed, with economics, with health, with religious crimes and terror being defined by the new and mercurial rules of engagement.”
-By Sue Walsh
you are such a wonderful person larry and thank you for your service 🙂
Nope…not wonderful but I have had some experiences and they are seared in my brain.
Larry
Thank you, I am glad to learn this about you. As a kid growing up I watched and enjoyed you on the tv. I lost my son in Afghanistan in 2018, I can relate to the impact and tears at events, I just let them flow at this point.
Great interview. I was with 1st Marine air wing 1968. I recognize all those signs of PTSD. Semper Fi
Welcome home Larry and thank you for your service brother ……Semper FI Devil Dog I did three tours almost enjoyed it LOL was over in 68-73 we got stories for the ages…..I stay busy as a touring musician and I fish quiets the mind for me…..come see us in Oklahoma im sure we chewed some of the same dirt….. Tank Taylor
Great artical… Thank You!
thank you for reading
Again..Thank you!
Denica
Another short glimps of my life I wrote and shared with Sue to edit. The whole story is long and morbid….but I Made my Points. Thank you for indulging me….Larry
Larry,
Again I must say from one Vetran to another thanks again so much for your service then and now to your/ our country in so many ways and on so many levels. It has been just over a year since I retired and as the year has gone by i have reflected on my years in service, the good and the bad times how it shaped my life and how i enjoyed making a difference for others so much. Now looking back what I realize though really, is I think I miss it more because of the difference helping all of them and being around them just being a medic for the, was helping me it wasmaking a difference for me. I wrote you a year or so ago in responce to this article and asked for advice and i want you to know that i took it then and take it now to heart every day. This past year has been hard and challenging for alot of easons but the chat room, these articles here, and all the people I have met thru these avenues and the few times i have been in chat when you were there have ment the world to me and made all the differnce. Happy Vetrans day from one to another. May it find you and your family Happy, Healthy and Strong. God Bless you and one more time thank you so much for your service and for your inspiration to us all.
Thank you Larry for your service , your growth and wisdom. My prayers and best to you and your family. “Doc”
I am not in the least bit offended by this article. I am grateful for Larry’s service to our country, as well as the service of his fellow soldiers. I am truly sorry that any American treated any vet that way and hope that would never be tolerated again.
Thanks Larry,having just done a program for Vietnam Veteran’s your words are loud and clear.On the other side of things enlisting in the Army in 1966 probably save my life as it removed me from Rawlins,and pushed me towards more self reliance.I too have a problem with TAPS,but can not always avoid it.
Larry,
First, I’d like to Thank you for your service. I am married to a Vietnam Veteran of the USMC. My husband served 2 tours in Vietnam. Then after his Honorable Discharge in 1977, he went into Law Enforcement here in Oregon and in Colorado. From his service and disability, I found myself serving our veterans. I worked for several years as a County Veteran Service Officer. I worked for our veteran and their families. I helped them apply for their Veterans Benefits. I can not tell you how many military funerals I have attended. TAPS is always an emotional moment for me, I can’t imagine how it must effect you. My husband also avoids the funerals.
Many years ago, I met you at Mt Hood, Oregon. You were so sweet and have always been one of my favorites.
Hugs & Appreciation from Oregon
Off topic.
A big hug from Brazil..
All the best.
Larry, thank you for your service. In my eyes you have always been a man of honor, dignaty, and respect (and so much more of finer virtues) now and even in high school. A time I envied you for your steadyness of character. I thought you to have had such a envieble young life. Having read posts and information you have shared with every one, I must say I am sorrry I didn’t really understand the hardship you had. I had both of my parents, though poor, they tried. You have matured and overcome the deamons. God bless you and your family, now and through all eternity. Lenny
From a Navy Corpsman, Retired, U.S. Navy. Thanks.
From a former Marine ( 0311/73 to 77)- I read your article, and was surprised at how diversified your comments are & applaud you for your accomplishments. I grew up watching your TV show, which along with others helped me chose a career in Law Enforcement of 28 years so far. Our training and exposure to many things in the military,help us adjust to civilian life and careers. Once again, thanks for the influence. Oh by the way, during my career in Law Enforcement, I did 3 years as a Motor Officer for my Department. I rode a Kawasaki KZ1000, same as on your show. Loved it..
Thank you Larry for being such a honorable example to the rest of us….I too…met you at our Marine Corps Ball at Camp Pendleton CA in something like 1984…you were our guest speaker and I had my picture taken with you which I still have. My Marine husband did not survive a car accident in 1991….but I am always Semper Fi. Again….I thank you.
Never knew you were in country. Welcome home brother,we chewed the same ground just different time. The DMZ from Cua viet east to the border. 1969/70
Dear Sgt. Wilcox;
My father served with the MRF out of Dong Tam on the rivers. My father in law served with the 3/3/3 in Keh Sanh . Both during Tet. As children my wife and I never heard much from either about Vietnam. As the new mission evolved from more recent wars, both found a new calling in welcoming home returning vets and trying to prevent others from falling through the cracks of ptsd and a lack of treatment caused. Sadly over two years ago the damage of PTSD and the illnesses caused by AO took the man my kids called grampy . Our mission now for my wife and I is to teach their grandkids to honor the veteran no matter the politics of the war. I found your site and read the excerpts above trying to show my daughter the shows I grew up with, chips, duke
s, A-team, and knight Rider. Ironically all but one involved both real and fictional Vietnam Vets. Thanks for posting this because reading this type of stuff helps kids of Vietnam Vets understand their parents who served better.
WELCOME HOME
7 Mary 3
Welcome home soldier. My husband of 28 years was a Vietnam vet agent orange killed him 20 years after the fact thank you so very much for protecting our country.
Thank You Larry for your service. We need more good men like you. Loved you on chips.
Mr. Wilcox,
First, thank you for you service. My father is a Vietnam vet as well. He served on the USS Juneau from 1970-1974. This was a wonderful article. I’v e always enjoyed reading and listening to vets speak of their time in the service. Thank you.
CPO Anita Harmon
Larry,
Meeting you and having you sit down at my dinner table with me and my fiance this past May at comicon was a thrill of my lifetime. I met my childhood hero from a tv show that influenced the rest of my life’s direction. I’m about to turn 50 this month and after 30 years of police work I am most proud of the accomplishments and justice I helped to find. As an adult you are still my hero, not just from a tv show but from your service and courage to deal with those PTSD issues that I also experienced. Panic attacks for no reason had started and I didn’t know why. I assume it was the hundreds of death cases I worked or witnessed over the years catching up with me. Today I’m very good, I worked through it all. I referee ice hockey games that benefit families of officers killed in the line of duty. I’m proud of that charity work. I hope that you realize the genuine admiration I have for you as someone who I still look up to as a man of honor, service and positive influence. Thank you again for unknowingly guiding me. PS, if you ever do come looking for hogs at the farm in Manheim, PA, please look me up! Lol
Mr. Wilcox thank you for your service. My Dad (2nd Marines WWII) would say ” Semper Fi “
Larry, thank you for serving our country during the Vietnam war! also, welcome home. you were great on chips.
I have a bad habit of submitting before I edit what I wrote.
Anyway below is what I wrote after I proofread and edited. It’s proof everyone makes mistakes and nobody is perfect.
There is nothing pretty about going to war, but that you and others like you served so that we all can be free. You should always be thanked.
I have a cousin who served in Afghanistan his convoy was on its way to actually meet their loved ones. He manned the big gun on the bed of a truck I forget what it’s called. His job was to protect it and survey for threats. The convoy was bombed he was thrown…men were injured and some were even killed. My cousin he was severely injured he has a severe brain injury. He will have to have more surgeries to help with his trauma. The miracle is that he is still here but so many did not make it. We should never forget the sacrifice or the courage it took to fight. Freedom is a precious commodity. No one knows how high the cost is until someone gives the ultimate sacrifice….their life.
I thank you and all Veterans everywhere for standing up for freedom. May God Bless you Larry Wilcox always in all ways.
Your Friend Always,
Darci
What a marvelous well-written tribute to a man who continues to give back to his country on a daily basis. Thank you, Larry, and to all the veterans who gave so much to allow all of us to continue to live in freedom.
Wonderful words thank for sharing!
Very well said. Thank you for your service, Larry.
Very well said. Thank you for your service, Larry!
Mr. Wilcox,
Thank you for your service! My father and grandfather served in the military. My father in the Army and my grandfather in the Navy. I am so proud of them and of all the men and women who have served, are serving, and even the ones who will serve in the future. God Bless and again thank you for your service!
WOW! Thank you SIR, for tour service. I was Hosp. Corps 3rd class but stateside 1974-1983
Wow. Just wow. I grew up respecting you, but not really knowing you. As I read more here on your site and get to know who you are, the more profound that respect has become. You are an extraordinary man, Larry and I know all the people who love you (including your fans) are thankful for your service and for all that you continue to do. Thank you so much.
thanx for your service semper fi and bringing me back to the chips days on tv im usaf 1973-1977 korat thailand
First of all thanks to all our men and women who served in the Vietnam era in country or not.
Secondly, I served in the Navy on an aircraft carrier, that did go to nam.
Our aircraft made many missions, and I hope through some of my efforts although not in country helped to save our brave soldiers in country.
God Bless America and all our veterans.
I have read this particular article many times and it just seems to resonate more and more each time. I’m not too sure what keeps drawing me back to it. I just really like reading about your experiences during and after the war. I grew up around Vietnam vets and none of them would ever talk about it… EVER. You’re the first guy I’ve seen really open up. I wish I’d known you in my junior year of high school. You could have just taught my US history class for the 2 weeks we studied the Vietnam War.
First off my husband is a CHIPS fan H watches numerous episodes a day. It was very interesting to discover this article and discover your dealings with PTSD. My husband is a medically retired firefighter. He has severe PTSD after 20 years as a firefighter. After telling my husband about your article he found it interesting and intriguing. Even though more people know about PTSD there are still not enough people that know about PTSD and how it affects a person! Thank you not only for your service but for the article as well!! I have been in the process of writing a journal of what the PTSD has been like not only for my husband but for myself as well!
5
Hi Larry, I kind of stumbled upon your website and this article while net-surfing looking for info about some of the TV shows I used to watch…CHiPS being one of my favorites due to my love of mid & late 70’s Kawasaki 900 & 1000 motorcycles (I’ve owned several). I just want to say that it was beyond interesting to learn of the depth and breadth of your very impressive personal accomplishments, and most of all….your admirable personal character. As a retired professional firefighter, I also believe that I suffer from PTSD although I have never sought help for it. Why not? Maybe it’s because I don’t want to admit it to anybody out of fear. Anyways, thanks for the memories…and most of all, the inspiration. God Bless!
Enjoyed reading your Bio Larry. Served in 3rd Battalion 9th Marines 3rd Mar Div. You may have supported us with Arty being you were in 12th Marines. What Battery were you in ? Fox Battery 2/12 supported us. Thank You Marine for Your Service to this Great Country.
Semper Fidelis
4.5
Welcome Home Larry. I too am a Nam Vet. I was there Jan 67 to Feb 68. Left just as tet was starting. God bless you for your service to out country.
You are quite eloquent, which sounds strange to say to a Marine: why is that? I hope you find the time to realize what your mission was. I was in Iraq in 2004 and a Kurd told me, “The US goal for Iraq is a weakened state.” I was reading yesterday about Iraq today, 2022, not being able to form a government because the legislature can’t reach a 2/3 majority to appoint a President who picks a prime minister who picks a cabinet. That constitution was put in by the US. So that Kurd was telling the truth, even before that constitution itself was put in a year or two later. I was maybe one out of a thousand who didn’t call Iraqis “hajjis”, singular, “hajji”, said with dismissive tone. “Gook” sounds ten times worse. My analysis of your mission: go kill innocent people so the US public won’t ask too many questions. In two words: lynch mob. I think we’re coming out of that.
Please tell Mr. Wilcox that I respect him tremendously. I wish that guys like him, actors like him, could reach the morons and ingrates that now compose the celebrity world. Those pampered posers could learn a thing or two. So can veterans like me, who never saw combat. I hold immense respect for guys like Mr. Wilcox and I suspect my fellow non-combat veterans also do. I was in the Seabees and Marines taught me how to operate rifles, machine guns, mortars and hand grenades. Although I’m Navy, my preferred motto is……… Semper fi!
Thank you for your service and sharing of your heart. Pro Patria
Semper Fidelis Sir.
From a Canadian friend
Larry,
I remember watching you on chips as a kid. My dad a Vietnam vet. I had no idea you were a marine until reading this today. I joined the corp myself. Afterwards, you and others inspired me to be a police officer, mostly Clint Eastwood lol, but I liked your character too. I retired after 26 years. Throughout that time I’ve attended many of those funerals you spoke of. I’ve learned I can’t go anymore. Sucks but my buds get it. I hope you’ve found some sort of peace like the rest of us are striving to do, especially in today’s age. Take care and thanks for your service to our country. Semper Fi
Thank u for ur service! Glad to know ur Marine. It’s awesome u served and survived.! Ur a hero no matter what anyone thinks! Be blessed
I read this with a heavy heart another young man sent to a place where most of us didn’t even know where Viet Nam was and had to look it up i wanted to go to Viet Nam my friends and i even wrote a letter to President Kennedy telling him and he hand wrote a letter back to us telling us to stay in school graduate then deside what we wanted i feel like i let our country down because i never got to go as i kept reading Larrys story i realized that the young feller that i watched on t.v. and loved not just because he was a star but i could tell he was a special man and an honorable one i want him to know that i wast NOT one of those people that spat or disonered any of these men that came home from that war my pride in those brave men made my heart almost burst with pride i had friends and family over there so yes i do know what those people did to our men and hated it i just hope they can still live with themselves im proud of you for what you did with your life and your family may our God always bless you and yours!
Welcome home brother. Thank you for your service!!
Semper Fi
I was there in 67 and 68 got wouned in March 18 1968 my best friend was in the 12th Marines also
Semper Fi,if Larry is ever free for a Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Howell Michigan we have 400-500 veterans and active duty attend
Semper Fidelis!
As a young 14 year boy in Portland Oregon, I had the honor of getting your autograph at a motorcycle show. I was a fan of your show “CHIPS” until my own enlistment in the Marines as a 0311 for the next 8 years.
Up until my 3rd tour and being severely wounded, I served honorably with many of the great traits thayou mentioned above.
Thanks for your service and your words of incouragment.
Sempter Fedlus.
Thanks for your service .. I was a fan of your show “CHIPS”.
I received and thank you for your autograph in 1979.
I am a Marine combat veteran and I thank you for your service and all your incouragment.
Sempter Fi.
Great perspective of his time in Vietnam. My utmost gratitude for all my brothers and sisters who served during this conflict. One exception is the reference to the men and women who served in the National guard. I served proudly during the Nam.
I feel that this portion was an affront to those who served even when our draft numbers were so low we would not be drafted. Finally, Welcome home brothers and sisters! Thank you for your service!
Semper Fi brother! Good read, very heartfelt to me. I’m glad you made it home safe, but also know that you think often of those that didn’t. God bless you brother!
I was there in 1972 1973 Thank you for your service
I wrote a book which is still published entitled, M A R I N E, The Battle of Hickory, May 1967. It is a depiction of the battle which took place in the area. I hope you could give Mrs. Welch my contact info so I could give her a copy. It would add to her reporting.
Thank you for your service SSGT Larry Wilcox. I have the most respect for you serving during the Vietnam War. Im a United States Marine vet also. You are a inspiration to all prior service veterans. Im also a big fan of your work as a veteran actor. Hope all is well with you and your family. Semper Fi brother.
Welcome home, Marine. Thank you for sharing this.
A fellow VN vet.
Thank you for your service, Sir!
SEMPER FI! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
I was with the 1st Field Artillery Group from November 1967 to August 1968 at which point in time I was assigned to the 1st 155mm Gun Btry until I returned to the World in April 1969. Your experience is very similar to mine and your words are mirror reflections of what goes on in my mind. I wish I had the ability to so accurately and eruditely express myself as you have done. Sempre Fi, Marine.
Were you ever at AnHoa I was with G Co 2/5 Feb 67 moved up to PhuBi January 68. Came home March of 68 Semper Fi Marine
Substitute the war and the story applies to all of us regardless of which conflict we served in
Larry I served in the Army from 8-69/3-72. I was never deployed to Viet Nam and it has been a guilt for me all my life. I know in my mind now that a Golden Shield was around me through both my mom and dad prayers. I did experience the same greeting at the San Francisco Airport that so many veterans experienced. When I hear Taps or the National Anthem I have to control myself to hold back the tears. Thank you for your wonderful article and sharing the Golden Shield. To you and all Veterans Welcome Home and God Bless.
WELCOME HOME BROTHER
NEVER KNEW YOU WERE THERE
12TH MARINES … IF HAD MANY FRIENDS WHO WERE
12
26
3
9
I was ARMY Artillery AIRMOBILE 69
Thank you, to you, Larry, & all the the other Vietnam Vets ~ Welcome Home!
Thank you for your service and for opening your heart up to all. You are a true American Hero. I cried and smiled, at times, throughout the article.
Welcome home. Thanks for the comments on PTSD. I doing research on Agent Orange and its active ingredient, a Dioxin, I learned that in Europe its linked to PTSD symptoms, double whammy. It also has a 50 year 1/2 life in stream and pond sediments. And living in the “field” wading in old abandoned rice paddys, bathing in streams, one did not have to be directly sprayed to be effected. I “worked’ in many of the same places along the DMZ and out toward Laos as an Army infantryman in 1970-71.
With 4/11 kilo..1st Marines 1967- 68. RVN…thar 68 TET was some party….but put it all in the rear view…lucky enough to marry a Marine Brat( squared my ass away) no braggadocio or whining of should of, could of, would of…..She made it known I had a responsibility; a family to take care of, so cease all the bullshit. No regrets…..we did what we were asked…Hippies and dissenters be damed…
Carry on Marine
Thanks, I needed that. Same time in Vietnam and memories are little different, but we were in same areas of I Corp.
Surprisingly many Marines served and live healthy lives even with the mental and physical challenges.
H&S 1/3, C Battery 1/13 67-68
So well written ,thank you for your service to our once beautiful country.I was in the VA er this am for a checkup.I was an army nurse during that time frame 65-67.I was stateside but then at the 11 evac hosp in Puson,Korea,after 1 year I just began to weep,needed to come home.I wept at ft Benning when the 1st calvary left in 65,wept at the wall. sometimes just sobbing.what did we know then?Nothing,only glad to serve my country.God bless you.RX for ptsd since the 90’s
Welcome home Brother🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️❤️❤️
PHU CAT 819th RED HORSE 69/70🇺🇸🇺🇸
From a fellow veteran of a different era. Thank you and welcome home Marine. Thanks for sharing a small part of your story.
Our Inner Truth..
Semper Fidelis-
Really enjoyed this; thank you for your service Larry! You may have cleared off Dong Ha Mountain for me; I served with Alpha 1/12 in 1969. We were on the mountain from about May through pullout in September. My MOS: 0844 FDC. And yes, we still used the slide rules and the Range-Deflection Protractor. They sent 1/12 to Okinawa; we were disbanded (not the official term) anyway I ended up in Echo Btty, and shipped out on an LSD USS Ogden; that’s another story. Thank you again.
I feel it was a dishonorable war that killed many honorable young men and women. I praise and honor every man and woman who served an unappreciative nation. I hurt every time I think of what was lost in that war. Young people with a future. Father’s, mother’s, sonns and daughters.
I was airforce in nam we had it better then marines/army bot still struggle with after effects of that conflick
Thank you for your service and appreciate your sacrifices thank you
Semper Fi Larry I had always watched CHIP’s and new that there was something special about you! And when I learned that you were a Marine and Viet Nam vet I realized that you were a brother who served before my time and very proud of your service! From Retired GySgt.
Thanks for the read, PTSD, and what has followed me in my journey to come to terms with it…it helps to read your accounts as to where I need to accept and deal with life now. GySgt G W Cann USMC (Ret) 72-94.
Larry, I am a cold war vet. 100% service/disabled. USMC. I read your story with interest. I appreciate your service & thank you for sharing your story. A life well lived.
Semper Fi.
Thank you Larry for your service to our country. Welcome home! I served in the U.S. Army and retired with over 20+ years. I helped many Vietnam veterans that suffered from PTSD and the effects of Agent Orange exposure. During my time in the Army I served with soldiers that had served in Vietnam many of whom were my mentors. Thanks for your article and sharing your thoughts.
What an excellent and wise perspective of that horrible war. I worked in ll corps in the central Highlands area of and not s day has gone by since return that I don’t think about that war. You leave the battle, but the battle never leaves you. When I turned home to Seattle/Tacoma airport, I and another Lt were denied service at the the airport bar when all we wanted was a cold coke and burger. A clue of what we had to look forward to by going back to school at the University. Thanks Mr welcome for your perspective.
Jan Pitman, US Army 1LT, Artillery, 5/27 Arty, IFFV Artillery
I understand when you left the show CHIPS, PTSD makes you want to be secluded from the ones that did not experience the pain of the Vietnam war. I know I hate for people to ask me questions about being a Rifleman 0311 and what we went through. Peace my friend and brother.
Your narrative of your thoughts and feeling about your Viet Nam experience gave me a real sense I too went down this challenging and unpredictable times while serving in a war.
It definitely changed my whole being and thinking about how to move through life in a positive and productive way because I owed it to my fellow vets who did not make it home. I also suffered through years of trying to get a through a painless night of sleep and fearing to go to sleep and trying to catch up with the world I missed while gone to Nam. The lonely, dark nights and many days-the same – has left me to this day uneasy but never fearing death. Life still has something else left for me. What is it? I am obligated to my fellow vets who past to stay to the end. As the Marine saying, “improvise, adapt and overcome”, has been my mantra since USMC boot camp. SEMPER FI.!
Semper Fi Brother & Thank You for your service
Semper Fi Marine. I myself was a Marine and I followed in my Dad’s footsteps when I joined the Marines
Thank you for your perspective on your service, treatment abroad and return home. You used your profound experience to have a deep appreciation for life.
Prayers for those who didn’t make it home, or home intact.
Never having been to South East Asia I can’t imagine the dangers of war, jungle with it’s critters and heat and humidity. I have the luxury to not go into the Snake House at a zoo.
I wish you continued good health and happiness for you and your family.
I passed this along to two Viet Nam Veteran’s Groups
A CHiPs fan here, back when I was younger. Thank you for your work on that and for your service. I just ran across this post, had no idea that you were a Vietnam Vet. Your insight on PTSD, warfare, the qualities that we should concern ourselves with in life, and raising children is on the mark and commendable. Be well and thanks again.
-From an old Navy Vet & 1st responder
Loved your article you explained everything that happed to you precisely and clear. Thank you for that.
Being a Vietnam Vet. With PTSD I understand the down falls of a war I didn’t understand at the time, not that I do now. All I know is I lost my childhood the day I stepped off the plane at Camra Bay….I’m grateful I survived my tours in the Nam. I try hard now to instill into my life gratification for the life I was granted by the death of so many of my brothers….God Bless, Thank You for Service !!!
Wonderful Article and your FAITH is great!
I loved the show Chips in my younger days. Had no idea he had been a Marine in Vietnam. I was born in 1967 so I vaguely remember neighbors coming home with PTSD and drug addiction. Learning about Vietnam at a young age made a lasting impression on me.
I didn’t join the military because I saw many who did become alcoholics. Later in life got a job painting helicopters on Ft hood and well became an alcoholic. My own doing. The GI’s that I encountered in those days treated me like a brother and I am grateful to call them real friends.
Welcome home, buddy –
We will always the guys we served with and we’ll always remember the friends who have gone before us.
Semper Fi,
Battery B 1/11 and Echo and Golf companies 2/1, 1966-7
Thank you for your service. I have a brother-in-law who served in the Army in Nam. We appreciate all servicemen who served our country overseas and at home. God bless you and keep you. I enjoy watching you in “CHiPS.”
God Bless you and your Family and thank you for your service to this great country
Larry, I had no idea. I always enjoyed CHiPs. I even became a cop myself for 23 years in New Mexico. I was also in the USMC and wound up in Desert Storm 90/91 in 2nd recon bn. I appreciated your description of the PTSD world. I didn’t know I had it until my daughter went to med school and did a little time at the VA hospital. She got complimented for being unusually gifted in talking to guys in crisis. I shook my head and said wonder why you are so good at that? She looked at me like I was half crazy and said “Well I grew up with you! I’ve been in training for this for years!”. It was a good laugh, but it was the first time the thought occurred to me. Same stuff. Isolating, avoiding funerals, and an embarrassing tendency to get choked up way too easily even at movies.
After USMCR and cop world, I was at my next job for years before anyone knew what I had done. They always say they “never would have never guessed”. It’s a weird combination. Very proud of it. But also hard to shake a lonely, almost shameful or embarrassed feeling. (I know,,, I know) My wife always wonders and shakes her head at why I don’t fess up and get the discount at Lowes or other stores.
Man, sure enjoyed reading your account.
Semper Fi Marine. Welcome Home. BZ Sgt USMC
1964-70. Nam 1966-67.. The only difference between Larry and myself is that I went thru the Real CHP
motor Training and worked the real freeways and streets of LA. Served in South LA, Central LA CHP 1969-1974..
Semper Fi. Love the story!
I had no idea -wow- Thank you for your service Larry, my father was also a USMC staff sergeant. My uncle was a guy named Jack Clampitt who fought in WW II. Thank you again and I loved watching CHIPS.
I read your article and reflected back on my Vietnam experiences as an Army helicopter pilot in 1970-71. Many of your comments are echoed by my exposures.
Welcome home, Brother!
Ed Wolfe
Semper Fi Larry. I was not a MARINE in Vietnam but served as a Navy Corpsman 67-68 in the ICORP areas. I’m proud of my service and my Marine time. It cannot be taken away and something i think of most every day. Enough said, thank you for your service both in the Corps and out. You are a good man.
Larry thank you for your service in the Marine Corps. I really admire and respect you so much for serving in the military especially in those very difficult and challenging days in our world. I also want to thank you for taking the role of John Baker. As a young teenager growing up in Brasil you made my heart beat a little faster. I always imagined you being as good of a person as the character you played in Chips! I’m so happy I can still watch the show !! You will always be my first crush!! All the best to you and I hope I get to meet you in person someday !!
Hello Brother.
What brought me to your website and reading the “message” I can only say must be Karma. I served in the same time frame and AO as you. I was with the 101st Airborne and was a Huey crew chief. We provided lift support for the 3rd Marine Recon
Bn. and never lacked for dull moments. But I write because I feel in your words and comments the validation of serving in a conflict that does not compare or can be described unless you’ve heard the snap of a bullet or rocket exploding nearby. I agree those our age who did not serve because of “whatever” reason is their baggage to be carried. We did ours’s and came home. I have lost my aircraft commander and a door gunner to AO and gave the eulogy for my pilot when he lost his battle with AO. Like you I sobbed uncontrollably and it’s refreshing to hear I’m not alone when it comes to moments that pull hard on the heart strings. PTSD is real, and thank you for your acknowledgement that we ALL have that invisible burden. Take care, God Bless, and Welcome Home Brother.