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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC Billy L. Lauffer.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2921 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC Billy L. Lauffer. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

The jungle air hung heavy with the scent of rain-soaked earth and tension. It was September 21, 1966, near Bong Son, Vietnam, and Army Private First Class Billy L. Lauffer, just 21 years old, was on a mission with his unit. Moving through dense foliage, they suddenly encountered fierce enemy fire. The ambush pinned down Lauffer’s platoon, leaving his comrades vulnerable and surrounded.

In the chaos, Lauffer acted without hesitation. Rising from cover, he dashed through the barrage, his M16 roaring as he returned fire. Lauffer’s selflessness created a diversion, allowing his trapped comrades to maneuver to safety.

His squad watched in awe and horror as Lauffer pressed forward, confronting the enemy head-on. Though wounded, he continued his charge, his determination unwavering. Lauffer eliminated several enemy fighters, weakening their position, but a hail of gunfire cut him down before he could reach cover.

When the dust settled, his comrades returned to find Lauffer lying still. Around him were signs of his courage: silenced enemy weapons and the clear path he’d carved for his platoon’s escape. His actions saved countless lives that day.

For his extraordinary bravery and self-sacrifice, PFC Billy L. Lauffer was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy endures, a testament to the power of courage and the bonds of brotherhood. Lauffer’s story reminds us of the valor it takes to rise above fear, fighting not for glory but for the lives of those beside you.

Listen to Episode 2921 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC Billy L. Lauffer.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Joseph G. LaPointe Jr.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2920 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Joseph G. LaPointe Jr. Information featured in this episode comes from the International Peace Museum.

In the thick jungle of Vietnam, June 2, 1969, Army Specialist Fourth Class Joseph G. LaPointe Jr., a combat medic with the 101st Airborne Division, moved with a calm purpose that belied the chaos around him. Nicknamed “Doc” by his unit, Guy was known for his quiet demeanor and unshakeable dedication to his comrades.

That day, a reconnaissance team found itself under heavy enemy fire. Two of Guy’s fellow soldiers were gravely wounded, pinned down in an exposed position. Without hesitation, Guy grabbed his aid bag and dashed into the line of fire. Bullets tore through the trees, but he pressed forward, reaching the wounded men.

Despite the danger, Guy began treating their injuries, his hands steady amidst the roar of battle. As enemy forces closed in, he shielded his comrades with his own body, continuing to provide care. A grenade landed nearby. Guy made the ultimate sacrifice, covering his brothers with his body to absorb the blast.

When the smoke cleared, Specialist LaPointe’s bravery was evident to all who survived because of him. His actions exemplified the selflessness of a true medic and soldier.

Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, Joseph G. LaPointe Jr.’s legacy endures. His courage and compassion remind us of the profound cost of war and the extraordinary acts of humanity that emerge in its darkest moments. Today, his name is etched into the annals of heroism, a testament to the quiet, unwavering strength of a man who gave everything for others.

Listen to Episode 2920 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Joseph G. LaPointe Jr.

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Vietnam Medal of honor recipient Army Sp4 George C. Lang.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2919 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 George C. Lang. Information featured in this episode comes from the Washington Post.

The humid jungle of Vietnam crackled with enemy gunfire. It was February 22, 1969, and Army Specialist Fourth Class George C. Lang, serving with Company A, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, found himself in a dire battle near Kien Hoa Province. The Viet Cong ambush was sudden and overwhelming, but Lang’s courage was unwavering.

A thunderous explosion ripped through the air, sending shrapnel tearing into Lang’s body. Severely wounded and bleeding, he could have retreated to safety. Instead, he stayed in the fray, determined to protect his comrades. Despite his injuries, Lang grabbed his M16 and returned fire with precision, covering his unit’s movements.

As the battle raged on, Lang’s heroic actions bought precious time for his comrades to regroup and launch a counterattack. Though his wounds left him permanently disabled, his sacrifice saved countless lives that day.

For his extraordinary gallantry and selflessness, George C. Lang was awarded the Medal of Honor. His citation tells of a soldier who, in the face of certain danger, chose valor over safety. Lang’s actions remind us of the profound courage it takes to defend others, even at the greatest personal cost.

Although immobilized and in great pain, he continued to direct his men until his evacuation was ordered over his protests. The sustained extraordinary courage and selflessness exhibited by this soldier over an extended period of time were an inspiration to his comrades and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

Listen to Episode 2919 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 George C. Lang.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Paul Ronald Lambers.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2918 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Paul Ronald Lambers. Information featured in this episode comes from the National Infantry Museum website.

In the dense jungles of Vietnam on August 20, 1968, Army Staff Sergeant Paul Ronald Lambers etched his name into history. As the squad leader of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, Lambers found himself and his men under ferocious attack near the village of Binh Duong. The enemy unleashed an ambush, their weapons spitting fire from hidden positions.

Amid chaos, Lambers took charge, rallying his squad. When his men were pinned down by machine-gun fire, Lambers crawled through the underbrush under a hail of bullets to silence the enemy emplacement with hand grenades. But the fight was far from over.

Sensing danger from another direction, Lambers once again acted decisively. Alone, he maneuvered toward the second enemy position, dodging bullets that tore through the jungle. With incredible precision and courage, he eliminated the threat. Each time the enemy regrouped, Lambers struck first, moving with purpose and saving countless lives through his fearless actions.

Despite being wounded, Lambers refused to evacuate. His leadership and calm determination inspired his men to fight on, turning what could have been a catastrophic ambush into a hard-fought victory.

For his extraordinary bravery, SSG Lambers was awarded the Medal of Honor. Yet, in interviews years later, he dismissed his heroism, insisting he had only done his duty.

Paul Ronald Lambers’ story is one of quiet valor—a man who stood firm amid chaos, embodying the very best of America’s soldiers in Vietnam.

Listen to Episode 2918 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Paul Ronald Lambers.

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Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2917 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Thomas Kinsman. Information featured in this episode comes from the Fallen Yet Not Forgotten website.

On February 6, 1968, amidst the chaos of the Vietnam War, Army Specialist 4 Thomas James Kinsman displayed courage beyond comprehension. His unit was conducting a reconnaissance mission near Vinh Long when they came under ambush. The enemy unleashed a relentless barrage, pinning the soldiers down in an open rice paddy.

Kinsman, just 21 years old, acted with decisiveness and selflessness. As the enemy fire intensified, a grenade landed near his squad. Time seemed to freeze. Kinsman had no time to think—only to act. Without hesitation, he threw himself on the grenade, shielding his comrades from the deadly explosion.

The blast sent shrapnel tearing through his body, but his actions saved six fellow soldiers. Severely injured, Kinsman’s resilience and strength were evident as he fought for survival. He was evacuated and spent months in recovery, enduring surgeries and grueling rehabilitation.

For his extraordinary valor and self-sacrifice, Kinsman was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon on May 17, 1969. He remained humble about his actions, often deflecting attention and crediting the bond he shared with his comrades.

Thomas Kinsman’s legacy is one of profound heroism, a reminder of the incredible sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. Though he passed away in 2017, his story endures, inspiring generations to honor duty, courage, and camaraderie. Specialist Kinsman will forever be remembered as a symbol of selflessness and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Listen to Episode 2917 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Thomas Kinsman.

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Maj. Charles Kettles poses in front of a 121st Aviation Company, UH-1H helicopter, during his second tour of duty in Vietnam in 1969.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2916 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army LTC Charles Kettles. Information featured in this episode comes from the US Army website.

On May 15, 1967, deep in the Song Tra Cau Valley in Vietnam, Army Lieutenant Colonel Charles Kettles exemplified unparalleled bravery. Commanding a UH-1D Huey helicopter, Kettles was tasked with leading a mission to extract soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division who were pinned down by a relentless North Vietnamese ambush.

As machine gun fire and mortars rained down, Kettles made multiple trips into the inferno, ferrying dozens of soldiers to safety. Despite intense enemy fire, he displayed unwavering composure, ensuring his crew and passengers remained as protected as possible. Each time, he pushed the limits of his aircraft, flying through barrages of enemy fire with precision.

After what seemed like the final extraction, Kettles learned that eight soldiers had been left behind. Without hesitation, he volunteered to go back. Alone and exposed, he piloted his damaged helicopter through the deadly skies. His Huey was struck by shrapnel, and the cockpit filled with smoke, but Kettles refused to abandon his mission.

With bullets piercing the air, Kettles landed amidst chaos and waited as the stranded soldiers scrambled aboard. As they lifted off, the Huey trembled under the weight and damage. Yet, Kettles’ masterful flying carried them all to safety.

For his extraordinary heroism, Charles Kettles was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2016, nearly five decades later. His selfless actions saved 40 soldiers and earned him a place in history as a symbol of courage and sacrifice. Kettles’ legacy endures as a testament to the valor of those who risk everything for others.

Listen to Episode 2916 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army LTC Charles Kettles.

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Lindsay Goss, author of F*ck The Army.

Episode 2815 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature an interview with the author of a new book F*ck The Army. The interview will be conducted by Andy Pham as prominent movie producer, David Zeiger, asks author Lindsay Goss questions about her new book.

F*ck The Army! offers the first, fully narrated history of the FTA, an antiwar variety show featuring Jane Fonda that played to tens of thousands of active-duty troops over the course of nine months in 1971. From its very conception, the civilian-led show was directed towards the project of making visible the growing antiwar movement organized by GIs, inspired by but also acting as a rebuttal to the increasingly out-of-touch USO tours presented by Bob Hope. Through an analysis of the FTA’s tactical performances of solidarity and resistance, Lindsay Goss brings into view the theatrical dimensions of the GI movement itself, revealing it as representative of the revolutionary and theatrical politics and tactics of the period. The volume highlights how, due to the movement’s subsequent historical erasure, a renewed anti-theatricality emerged from the 1960s and became a potent feature of contemporary political discourse.

The author’s deft methodological and analytic strategies, in tandem with her elegantly accessible style demonstrate how seemingly little-known performance practices can activate consequential understandings of what we thought we knew about the recent past. At the same time, she encourages essential conversations about pressing contemporary issues that demand our attention. At its core, F*ck The Army! reveals the fundamentally theatrical character of radical activism when it seeks to challenge the status quo.

Take advantage of the discount code below for a big price reduction when you purchase your copy of this interesting new book.

Listen to Episode 2815 and discover more about Lindsay Goss’ new book F*ck The Army.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Navy LTJG Bob Kerrey.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2914 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Navy LTJG Bob Kerrey. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

In the dense jungles of Vietnam in 1969, Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade Bob Kerrey led a SEAL team mission that would change his life forever. It was a covert night raid on a heavily fortified enemy-held island, meant to disrupt Viet Cong operations. The mission quickly turned deadly as enemy forces unleashed heavy fire. Kerrey, then just 25 years old, took charge, rallying his team as they advanced through the intense gunfire.

Suddenly, an explosion ripped through the night, gravely injuring Kerrey’s leg. Despite his severe wounds, he pressed on, leading his team with exceptional bravery, engaging enemy fighters at close range. Amid the chaos, he coordinated an evacuation for his men, refusing to leave the battlefield until they were safe. His courage under fire saved the lives of his team members, earning him the Medal of Honor.

After the war, Kerrey’s experiences weighed heavily on him, leading him to seek a path of healing and public service. He became a U.S. Senator from Nebraska and later the president of a major university. Yet, the memories of Vietnam never left him. He often spoke of the complex legacy of his actions, acknowledging both the honor and the tragedy of war.

Kerrey’s story is one of valor, sacrifice, and the lasting effects of conflict. His service exemplifies the bravery of those who fought in Vietnam, and his later work reflects a lifelong commitment to confronting difficult truths and serving his country in peace as he did in war.

Listen to Episode 2914 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Navy LTJG Bob Kerrey.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine CSM Allan J. Kellogg Jr.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2913 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Marine CSM Allan J. Kellogg Jr. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and The Tales of Honor Podcast.

Allan Jay Kellogg Jr. was born on October 1, 1943. Today he is a retired sergeant major in the United States Marine Corps. He received the United States military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions as a staff sergeant on March 11, 1970, during the Vietnam War.

Marine Corps Sergeant Major Allan J. Kellogg Jr. is remembered as a Vietnam War hero who displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of imminent danger. On March 11, 1970, Kellogg, then a Staff Sergeant with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, found himself and his squad under intense enemy attack in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. During a nighttime ambush, an enemy soldier lobbed a grenade into their position, endangering his entire squad.

Without hesitation, Kellogg jumped on the grenade, using his own body to absorb the explosion. His instinctive act shielded his fellow Marines, saving their lives while severely wounding him. The blast caused serious injuries to his right shoulder, arm, and face, but Kellogg remained calm. Refusing immediate medical evacuation, he continued to command and support his squad until he was sure his men were safe and the threat was neutralized.

For his valor and self-sacrifice, Kellogg was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon in 1973. His citation praised his “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity” at the risk of his life, exemplifying the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment. After Vietnam, Kellogg continued his service, eventually retiring as a Sergeant Major. His legacy lives on as an enduring testament to the bravery and resilience of the United States Marines, inspiring generations to come with his willingness to lay down his life for his comrades.

Listen to Episode 2913 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine CSM Allan J. Kellogg.

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South Dakota Marine Vietnam Vet John Tsitrian.

Episode 2912 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature the story about Marine Vietnam Vet John Tsitrian and what he had to say about the Vietnam War on Veterans Day. His opinion piece appeared on the South Dakota Standard .

John Tsitrian is a businessman and writer from the Black Hills. He was a weekly columnist for the Rapid City Journal for 20 years. His articles and commentary have also appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The Denver Post and The Omaha World-Herald. Tsitrian served in the Marines for three years (1966-69), including a 13-month tour of duty as a radioman in Vietnam. Republish with permission.

John said this pretty well summed up his time in country. I had just come back to the relatively secure airstrip at Dong Ha, slightly south of the Demilitarized Zone, after spending a few weeks at some — pick an adjective, they all fit — desolate, remote, bleak, lonely, dark, depressing, forlorn, gloomy, wretched and neglected outpost along the nearby Cua Viet river, where rocket and artillery attacks were part of the daily routine and potshots into our perimeter were an occasional part of the nightly routine.

It sucked, and it wasn’t just about me. Describing life for the Marines along the DMZ, Dispatches author Michael Herr titled his piece about us “Hell Sucks.”

To me, it’s little wonder that so many Vietnam vets have had post-war mental health issues. The confused situation of our war was indeed surreal, if not altogether schizophrenic. A 2022 Veterans Administration study on the subject concluded that “veterans who served in Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos during the Vietnam War have a higher prevalence of mental health issues, particularly PTSD, compared with both other Vietnam-era Veterans and non-Veterans.”

The whole mangled mess of it was an exercise in muddled objectives and wasted resources, so much so that when people died we didn’t say that they were killed. We said that they “got wasted.”

Thanks to that war, John couldn’t be more skeptical about the utterances of our political leadership.

Listen to Episode 2912 and discover more about Marine Vietnam Vet John Tsitrian and what he had to say about the Vietnam War on Veterans Day.