‘I delivered 12 Vietnamese babies’

I served in 1969 in South Vietnam, as a special forces medic attached to the 9^th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta. I put soldiers I treated in Medivac choppers, not knowing if they survived. Others died in combat as I tried to save them. I received two Bronze Stars for valor during combat, three Army commendations for valor and a Purple Heart.

Thomas Quinn (letter Aug. 1) falsely stated, “Our war in Vietnam was criminal and genocidal.” He only lasted two days and was wounded. My experience was from over 400 documented missions. I never saw brutality, torture or abuse.

We fought both Viet Cong and uniformed North Vietnam Army. We helped villages. I performed “Med-Cap,” where I treated local sick or injured. We built sanitation and water facilities, built or repaired schools. If a life or limb were involved, I Medivaced them to U.S. medical hospitals. I delivered 12 Vietnamese babies.

War is hell, I know, terrible casualties of soldiers I treated, some died. I was wounded and spent 3 ½ months in hospitals. I am proud to have contributed the best medical treatment possible to my fellow soldier and locals.

We fought with dignity, to the best of our God given ability and with honor.

This story was originally published August 9, 2015 at 10:03 AM with the headline "‘I delivered 12 Vietnamese babies’."