Vietnam Veteran News

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Air Force COL Harry John Pawlak II, “Opa” died peacefully at home on March 24, 2024

Episode 3292 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Vietnam Vet Harry Pawlak Flew 700 Combat Missions Over Vietnam. The featured story is titled: Air Force Colonel Flew 700 Combat Missions Over Vietnam. It appeared on the Arlington National Cemetery website. It was submitted by Kevin M. Hymel.

Hymel reported that U.S. Air Force Col. Harry Pawlak’s remarkable life stands as a powerful example of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication displayed by America’s Vietnam veterans. Laid to rest with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery on May 7, 2026, Pawlak’s story reflects the extraordinary service of a generation that answered their nation’s call under some of the most dangerous conditions imaginable.

During the Vietnam War, Pawlak flew more than 700 combat reconnaissance missions between 1964 and 1967, often piloting a slow-flying Cessna O-1E named “Darlene” after his wife. Flying low over hostile territory, he routinely faced enemy fire while searching for enemy forces. His bravery became legendary. In one mission, he deliberately drew enemy fire away from a wounded South Vietnamese wingman, helping save the pilot’s life and earning the Vietnam Medal of Gallantry with Silver Star. On another mission, he attacked an enemy convoy, triggering a massive explosion that destroyed more than 80 trucks. Despite burns to his face and temporary blindness, he managed to survive the ordeal and return safely.

Pawlak was shot down twice during the war. After one crash in Laos, he escaped capture and endured a grueling three-week trek through the jungle, surviving on insects and lizards before reaching safety. Such determination exemplifies the resilience that made Vietnam veterans some of the toughest warriors in American history.

Following Vietnam, Pawlak continued serving his country for more than two decades, retiring in 1988 with over 5,000 flight hours and numerous decorations. Even in retirement, he remained a leader in military and aviation organizations. His Arlington funeral, attended by generations of family members, honored a true American hero whose life embodied service, courage, and devotion. Harry Pawlak’s legacy reminds us of the greatness of Vietnam veterans and the sacrifices they made for their nation.

Listen to Episode 3292 and discover more about the Vietnam Vet Harry Pawlak Flew 700 Combat Missions Over Vietnam.

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Bill Roedy in Vietnam and then in 2006 with Finnish heavy metal band Lordi at the European Music Awards. (Courtesy of Bill Roedy)

Episode 3291 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Vietnam Vet who went from the bottom to the top. The featured story is titled: Vietnam vet Bill Roedy left the Army for cable TV—and helped win the Cold War. It appeared on the We are the Mighty website. It was submitted by Blake Stilwell.

Stilwell reported that Bill Roedy’s remarkable life story is a powerful example of how the values learned in military service can shape extraordinary achievements long after the battlefield is left behind. His journey, honored in 2026 with the dedication of the Roedy Rotunda at the United States Military Academy at West Point, highlights the lasting impact of Vietnam veterans and their commitment to service, leadership, and innovation.

Graduating near the bottom of his West Point class in 1970, Roedy never allowed academic rankings to define his future. Instead, he embraced the academy’s principles of duty, honor, country, integrity, and leadership. At a time when many sought to avoid military service in Vietnam, Roedy volunteered to go, believing he owed a debt to the nation that had educated and trained him.

Serving along the Demilitarized Zone during the Vietnam War, Roedy quickly found himself in the midst of combat operations, including the dangerous Operation Lam Son 719. His courage and dedication earned him the Bronze Star, Air Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star. His service reflected the greatness of Vietnam veterans, a generation that answered the nation’s call under difficult circumstances and performed their duties with honor despite the challenges they faced at home and abroad.

After Vietnam, Roedy continued serving his country by commanding nuclear missile sites in Italy during the Cold War. He later transitioned to civilian life, earning an MBA from Harvard Business School and helping build the cable television industry through HBO and MTV.

As the architect of MTV’s expansion into Europe and behind the Iron Curtain, Roedy helped introduce Western music and culture to millions of young people. His efforts coincided with the fall of communist regimes across Eastern Europe and the historic collapse of the Fall of the Berlin Wall. Years later, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev affectionately called him “Missileman,” recognizing the extraordinary journey from Cold War missile commander to cultural ambassador.

Roedy’s story demonstrates the enduring greatness of Vietnam veterans. Their leadership, resilience, and commitment to service did not end when they returned home. Many continued to make profound contributions in business, education, technology, public service, and international relations. Bill Roedy’s life stands as a testament to that legacy, proving that the skills and character forged in military service can inspire generations and help shape history far beyond the battlefield.

Listen to Episode 3291 and discover more about the Vietnam Vet who went from the bottom to the top.

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A guide walks past a concrete model of a militia member inside the Vinh Moc tunnel network in Vietnam’s central coastal province of Quang Tri
HOANG DINH NAM, AFP

Most of the tunnels were destroyed by American bombs, but a few like Vinh Moc are intact and now attract hordes of tourists, many of whom marvel at the cramped conditions
HOANG DINH NAM, AFP

Villagers in Quang Tri built the elaborate Vinh Moc tunnel network — mostly by hand — as a refuge from the bombing
HOANG DINH NAM, AFP

Episode 3290 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature story about the VC viewpoint of tunnels during the Vietnam War. The featured story is titled: Unearthing dark history in Vietnam’s war tunnels It appeared on the Digital Journal of Toronto website.

It was reported that the story of the Vinh Moc tunnels stands as a remarkable testament to the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War. Born on January 1, 1968, Ho Thi Giu entered the world deep underground as American bombs pounded the coastal province of Quang Tri, located near the Demilitarized Zone that divided North and South Vietnam. Her birth took place in the Vinh Moc tunnel network, where hundreds of villagers sought refuge from relentless air attacks.

Just weeks after Giu’s birth, North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launched the historic Tet Offensive, a major military campaign that changed the course of the war. While some local residents joined the fight against South Vietnamese and American forces, others focused on survival by helping construct the extensive tunnel complex by hand.

For two years, Giu and her mother lived approximately 49 feet below the surface alongside as many as 600 other villagers. The tunnels, stretching more than a kilometer, contained living quarters, classrooms, medical facilities, bomb shelters, and communal gathering areas. Despite these efforts to maintain a sense of normalcy, life underground was harsh. Residents faced food shortages, poor sanitation, limited lighting, and numerous health problems, including swollen limbs, vision issues, and skin diseases.

Giu was one of 17 babies born in the tunnels, symbolizing hope amid hardship. Former tunnel builder and Viet Cong fighter Nguyen Tri Phuong recalled the difficult conditions but expressed pride in helping create a refuge that saved countless lives. Today, the preserved Vinh Moc tunnels serve as a powerful historical site, honoring the endurance, sacrifice, and ingenuity of those who survived one of the war’s most dangerous periods.

Listen to Episode 3290 and discover more about the VC viewpoint of tunnels during the Vietnam War.

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199th Inf Brigade

199th Bde veterans

199th Bde veterans

Episode 3289 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature story about the 199^th Inf Brigade and its reunion. The featured story is titled: Vietnam veterans of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade reunite for lunch in Portland. It appeared on the KRIS-TV website and was submitted by Shane Rackley.

Rackley reported that the Vietnam veterans of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, proudly known as the Redcatchers, continue to demonstrate the unbreakable bonds forged in combat more than 57 years ago. Gathering for a reunion lunch in Portland, Texas, these veterans represent one of the most respected and battle-tested units to serve during the Vietnam War.

Originally activated in 1966, the 199th Light Infantry Brigade was created as a highly mobile counterinsurgency force guided by its motto, “Light, Swift & Accurate.” After intensive training, the brigade deployed to Vietnam and quickly established a reputation for courage, toughness, and determination. Operating primarily in the dangerous III Corps Tactical Zone north of Saigon, the Redcatchers relentlessly pursued enemy forces through jungles, swamps, rice paddies, and urban battlefields.

The brigade participated in 11 major campaigns across Vietnam and Cambodia. Its soldiers played crucial roles during Operation FAIRFAX, helping secure areas around Saigon, and during the historic Tet Offensive of 1968, when they fought fiercely to defend Long Binh and Bien Hoa Air Base while engaging enemy forces in the streets of Saigon and Cholon. Their bravery under fire helped blunt some of the enemy’s most significant attacks.

The sacrifices of the Redcatchers were immense. More than 750 soldiers were killed in action, and over 4,000 were wounded. Their extraordinary service earned numerous decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation, the Valorous Unit Award, and two Republic of Vietnam Crosses of Gallantry with Palm.

Today, the veterans of the 199th Brigade stand as examples of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty. Their service helped shape history, and their enduring brotherhood remains a testament to the greatness of America’s Vietnam veterans.

Listen to Episode 3289 and discover more about the 199^th Inf Brigade and its reunion.

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Steven Bennett

Dario Leone, Aviation Geek Club

Episode 3288 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature story about the US Air Force Vietnam War hero Steven Bennett. The featured story is titled: The Bronco pilot who died ditching his OV-10 to save his observer who couldn’t eject because his parachute was shredded by the explosion of a North Vietnamese SA-7. It appeared on the Aviation Geek Club website and was submitted by Dario Leone.

Dario reported that Captain Steven L. Bennett’s story is one of extraordinary courage, selflessness, and devotion to duty during the Vietnam War. Flying the versatile OV-10 Bronco, an aircraft used for forward air control, reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and ground attack missions, Bennett served in one of the conflict’s most dangerous roles. The Bronco was lightly armed but highly adaptable, carrying machine guns, external ordnance, and even troops or medical patients when needed.

On June 29, 1972, Captain Bennett was flying an artillery adjustment mission near Quang Tri City, South Vietnam, with a Marine observer in the rear seat. After spending several hours directing naval gunfire and air strikes against enemy positions, Bennett received an urgent call for help. A small South Vietnamese unit was on the verge of being overwhelmed by a much larger North Vietnamese force. With no friendly fighter aircraft available and naval gunfire too risky because of the proximity of allied troops, Bennett made a courageous decision.

Despite knowing that enemy soldiers were equipped with deadly SA-7 heat-seeking missiles, he repeatedly dove his OV-10 Bronco into low-level strafing attacks. His actions disrupted the enemy advance and bought precious time for the threatened South Vietnamese troops. During his fifth attack run, an SA-7 missile struck his aircraft, setting an engine ablaze and severely damaging the plane.

When Bennett learned that his Marine observer’s parachute had been destroyed, he refused to abandon him. Instead of ejecting, he attempted a water landing in the Gulf of Tonkin. The Bronco crashed and flipped into the sea. The Marine observer escaped, but Bennett became trapped in the wreckage and perished.

For his heroic sacrifice and unwavering commitment to saving another life, Captain Bennett was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, a fitting tribute to one of the Vietnam War’s greatest heroes.

Listen to Episode 3288 and discover more about the US Air Force Vietnam War hero Steven Bennett.

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Vietnam War Air Force hero Maj Bob Lodge

Episode 3287 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature story about the effort to award Vietnam War Air Force hero Maj Bob Lodge the Medal of Honor. The featured story are titled: Air Force Hero Bob Lodge May Finally Get Medal of Honor with New Proposed Legislation. It appeared on the Air & Space Forces Magazine website and was submitted by Matthew Cox.

Cox reported that Maj. Robert Alfred “Bob” Lodge stands as one of the most remarkable Air Force heroes of the Vietnam War, remembered not only for his skill as a fighter pilot but also for a sacrifice that may ultimately earn him the nation’s highest military honor. Born in New York City in 1941, Lodge pursued an exceptional military and academic career, studying aeronautics while training through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps and the Air Force Academy.

During his second combat tour over Vietnam, Lodge became a driving force behind a revolutionary overhaul of F-4 Phantom fighter tactics. As chief of the Fighter Tactics Branch for the 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing and a pilot in the famed 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, he helped develop innovative training methods and introduced highly classified technologies such as the Combat Tree radar system. His efforts gave American pilots a decisive edge against North Vietnamese MiGs and contributed significantly to improved air combat success.

On May 10, 1972, during Operation Linebacker, Lodge’s F-4 was critically damaged by enemy fire. While his weapons systems officer successfully ejected, Lodge remained in the aircraft. According to fellow aviators and ace Col. Charles “Chuck” DeBellevue, Lodge understood that capture could expose highly classified tactics, intelligence methods, and war plans. Choosing duty over survival, he stayed with the crippled jet until it crashed, sacrificing his life to protect information that could save countless fellow airmen.

Already awarded a record five Silver Stars, Lodge is now the subject of legislation introduced by Rep. August Pfluger to upgrade one of those awards to the Medal of Honor. More than five decades later, Maj. Bob Lodge remains a powerful symbol of courage, leadership, selflessness, and devotion to his fellow Airmen and country.

Listen to Episode 3287 and discover more about the effort to award Vietnam War Air Force hero Maj Bob Lodge the Medal of Honor.

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Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, former Deputy Foreign Minister and President of the Vietnam-US Society, joins US partners at the grant announcement ceremony.

Episode 3286 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature stories about U.S. and Vietnam cooperation on War aftermath issues. The featured stories are titled: Vietnam hands over more MIA remains to US and New US-funded initiative boosts search for Vietnam war missing persons. They appeared on the Vietnam Net Global website and were submitted by Tran Thuong.

Thuong reported that the continuing efforts to account for those missing from the Vietnam War represent one of the most meaningful humanitarian missions shared by Vietnam and the United States. On April 29, at the 172nd repatriation ceremony in Da Nang, Vietnam transferred a set of remains believed to belong to a U.S. serviceman who had been listed as missing in action. The remains were recovered during a joint excavation near Hue and will undergo further forensic analysis in Hawaii to determine their identity.

This repatriation reflects decades of cooperation that began after the 1973 Paris Peace Accords. Since then, approximately 740 U.S. personnel missing in Vietnam have been identified and returned to their families. Despite increasing challenges such as limited information, difficult recovery locations, natural disasters, and changing landscapes, both nations remain committed to this important work.

Further strengthening these efforts, the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council Institute announced a grant exceeding $450,000 to support Vietnam’s search and identification of those still missing from wartime conflicts. Through the Vietnam Wartime Accounting Initiative, advanced DNA technology, specialized training, improved forensic capabilities, and logistical support will help accelerate identification efforts and expand humanitarian cooperation.

The mission extends beyond locating American service members. It also supports searches for missing Vietnamese soldiers, unexploded ordnance clearance, dioxin remediation, and assistance for communities affected by the war. Over the years, Vietnam and the United States have achieved significant milestones, including environmental cleanup projects, support for Agent Orange victims, and the recovery of more than 990 sets of U.S. military remains.

These accomplishments demonstrate how former adversaries can work together to heal the wounds of war, promote reconciliation, and build a stronger partnership based on trust, compassion, and shared humanitarian values.

Listen to Episode 3286 and discover more about U.S. and Vietnam cooperation on War aftermath issues.

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Photo By Cpl. Alexander Devereux | Courtesy photo of Don Bumgarner at Hill C-4 in front of an ammo bunker Vietnam, Jan…. read more

Episode 3285 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Marine Vietnam Vet Don Bumgarner. The featured story is titled: From the Bunker – Lance Cpl. Don Bumgarner. It was submitted by Cpl. Alexander Devereux and it appeared on the DVIDS website.

Devereux reported that U.S. Marine Corps veteran Don Bumgarner’s story is a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience that defined the Vietnam veteran generation. Serving as a mortarman with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division from 1967 to 1968, Bumgarner’s journey began when he enlisted in the Marine Corps as a teenager during the height of the Vietnam War. Like many young Americans of his era, he answered the call to serve without knowing the hardships that lay ahead.

After boot camp and training, Bumgarner deployed to Vietnam, where he quickly faced the brutal realities of combat. He endured ambushes, artillery barrages, sniper fire, minefields, and the constant threat of death. Along the way, he witnessed the loss of fellow Marines, including close friends Jim Cooper and others who made the ultimate sacrifice. These painful experiences left lasting memories but also strengthened the bond shared among those who served.

Despite the dangers and hardships, Bumgarner and his fellow Marines carried out their missions with determination and honor. Their bravery under fire exemplified the dedication and selflessness of Vietnam veterans, many of whom were barely out of their teens when they entered combat.

After returning home, Bumgarner continued serving his community through a successful 25-year career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. His life reflects the perseverance that characterized so many Vietnam veterans who built meaningful lives despite the scars of war.

Today, Bumgarner honors his fellow Marines through reunions and storytelling, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. His story stands as a tribute to the greatness of Vietnam veterans—a generation of warriors whose courage, loyalty, and devotion to duty continue to inspire Americans and Marines alike. Semper Fidelis.

Listen to Episode 3285 and discover more about Marine Vietnam Vet Don Bumgarner.

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Vietnam veteran Benno Cleveland is Iñupiaq, one of the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic. He holds an eagle feather as he stands in the cemetery where he plans to be buried.

Episode 3284 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how Agent Orange is killing Alaska Vietnam Vets. The featured story is titled: Loved ones remember another kind of war casualty: veterans sickened by Agent Orange. It was submitted by Shelby Herbert and it appeared on the WUSF website.

Herbert reported that the story of Alaska’s Vietnam veterans is one of extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and perseverance. Men like Benno Cleveland and James Akhivana answered their nation’s call during the Vietnam War, serving with honor despite the dangers they faced both on the battlefield and long after they returned home.

Cleveland, an Iñupiaq veteran from Alaska, earned two Purple Hearts for wounds received in combat. Yet like countless Vietnam veterans, his battle did not end when the war ended. Exposure to Agent Orange, the herbicide used extensively during the conflict, left him facing serious health challenges decades later, including heart disease and other chronic illnesses. Despite these burdens, Cleveland remains focused on honoring those who never made it home and those who have since passed away from war-related illnesses.

His friend James Akhivana, remembered for his kindness and leadership, struggled with the lasting effects of combat and eventually passed away after years of health complications. His widow recalls a man deeply affected by his wartime experiences but devoted to his fellow soldiers and family.

Their stories reflect a broader reality across Alaska, which has the highest number of veterans per capita in the nation. Many Alaska veterans sought healing in the state’s vast wilderness, finding peace among its mountains, forests, and waters. Yet many continued to suffer from the hidden wounds of war and Agent Orange exposure.

On Memorial Day and every day, Alaska’s Vietnam veterans deserve recognition for their unwavering service and sacrifice. Their generation displayed remarkable bravery, endured hardships few can imagine, and helped defend the freedoms Americans enjoy today. Their legacy of duty, resilience, and patriotism continues to inspire future generations.

Listen to Episode 3284 and discover more about how Agent Orange is killing Alaska Vietnam Vets

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David Densmore’s high school diploma

Episode 3283 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how Vietnam Vet David Densmore finally received his high school diploma. The featured story is titled: Vietnam War veteran from Pasadena gets high school diploma, fulfilling dream decades later. It was submitted by Kim Dacey and it appeared on Kim Dacey.

Dacey reported that the story of David Densmore is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice, courage, and character of the Vietnam Veteran Generation. At just 17 years old, Densmore left Northeast High School in Pasadena in 1968 and enlisted in the United States Marines to serve his country during the Vietnam War. Like so many young Americans of his generation, he put duty before personal goals, willingly stepping into danger to defend freedom and pursue peace.

Serving in Vietnam forced Densmore to grow up quickly. Although his military service was cut short after a serious lung infection required him to return home, he carried on with life after his honorable discharge in 1970. He worked hard, raised a family, and never regretted answering the call to serve. Yet one unfinished chapter remained — earning the high school diploma he sacrificed to wear the uniform of his country.

Decades later, thanks to a little-known law recognizing veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, Densmore finally received his diploma from Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Wearing a cap and gown, the 76-year-old veteran proudly completed a dream that had been delayed for nearly six decades.

His emotional achievement symbolizes the resilience and humility of the Vietnam Veteran Generation. These men and women sacrificed youth, education, and personal ambitions in service to America. Densmore’s story stands as a moving tribute to a generation that answered the nation’s call with honor, courage, and lifelong pride.

Listen to Episode 3283 and discover more about how Vietnam Vet David Densmore finally received his high school diploma.