In 1965 ...

[oldsoldierfadingfast]

I was in the 1st 6 wk. basic training class of the Army Nurse Corp - normal was 8 wks. It was made up of a few Captains and 1st Lts. , but mostly 2nd Lts.
Rank was based on previous experience - I was an exp. ER nurse. Assignments were given out - I got Hawaii - some got Japan, Alaska, Philippines etc., but most were sent all over CONUS. (Continental United States).
A few short months later, all that were CONUS were in Viet Nam. Some were seriously wounded; but quite a number of them gave their lives.
When I applied to go to VN, I was turned down. Why? Was told that I was needed where I was.

My AF brother was the navigator on airplanes flying out of Seattle, WA to VN on milk-runs (taking in supplies). Once on a return trip, his plane stopped in Hawaii and I went out to meet him. His plane was riddled with so many holes acquired when leaving Nam that I could not imagine how they kept it in the air to get to Hawaii.

Each and every Memorial Day, I remember these 2 things and question WHY were the two of us spared?

[MustLoveBeagles]

1. Thank you for your service

I truly mean that.

[moniss]

2. Thank you for mentioning the

service of nurses.

[ribrepin]

3. Thank you for your service

Last edited Mon May 25, 2026, 04:20 AM - Edit history (1)

So many lost in that war. I knew a few.

[calimary]

4. Thank you so much for your contribution to our Memorial Day memories.

It’s just so striking to me. So fascinating how many different experiences went into Memorial Day memories.

I think these stories ought to be shared, and shared widely, and many thanks for those who’ve done so here! Seems to me it’s an important part of our collective story as Americans.

[Permanut]

5. Powerful story, oldsoldierfadingfast, thanks for bringing it here..

Navy vet here. Boot camp at Camp Nimitz in San Diego, arrived October 25, 1965.

A dozen of us got off the bus from Oregon in civilian clothes, were assembled on the parade grounds and informed by a 300 pound Bosun's Mate that we weren't civilians any more.

"But don't get the idea that you're sailors. Right now you're nothing. You're mine".

We got uniforms and a spot in the barracks with a total of 90 guys in the company, which I will never forget was Company 621. and were introduced to our Chief.

Next was the haircut tent. While waiting in line, we could hear the barbers inside asking each recruit "how would you like it?" Good inside joke because we all came out with the same buzz cut.

Fast forward to being assigned out of boot camp to a destroyer out of Norfolk, Virginia.Some guys were assigned to the Pacific Fleet, and from there some spent time in Nam. Through just luck, I never went within 6,000 miles of there.

To your thoughts about being spared, I was one of those. Two of my friends went to Nam and didn't come back. Their names are on the Wall. My best childhood friend came back with PTSD, and later took his own life.

I don't know why I was spared, I just remember those guys, often but especially on Memorial Day and Veteran's Day.

Another friend who spent tme in Nam is now fighting terminal cancer. I'm glad to be able to spend time with him.