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Rockport woman’s handmade tribute honors 58 fallen Vietnam sailors

Swift Boat in Vietnam

Episode 3252 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how a wonderful lady in Rockport , Texas honored Vietnam Swift boat veterans. The featured story is titled: Rockport woman’s handmade tribute honors 58 fallen Vietnam sailors. It appeared on the KRIS website and was submitted by Michelle Hofmann.

Hofmann reported that in Rockport, Ingrid Little has transformed fabric into a powerful tribute honoring the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of Vietnam Swift Boat veterans—men whose service has too often gone unrecognized. Inspired by her longtime friendship with veteran Bud Kittle, Little began quilting as a personal gesture, but her work quickly grew into something far more meaningful: a lasting memorial to a remarkable group of sailors who served in some of the most dangerous conditions of the Vietnam War.

Swift Boat veterans, part of the Navy’s “Brown Water Navy,” operated small, heavily armed vessels deep in Vietnam’s rivers and coastal waters. Despite their boats’ thin aluminum hulls, these crews carried out high-risk missions with relentless determination, intercepting enemy supplies, supporting special operations, and transporting allied forces. They faced ambushes, mines, and constant attacks in perilous areas like “Rocket Alley,” yet continued their missions with unwavering bravery. Their resilience and grit stand as a testament to their greatness.

Little’s quilt specifically honors 58 sailors still “on patrol”—those who never returned home. By stitching their names into the fabric, she ensures their legacy endures. What began as a raffle item will now be preserved in a museum, reflecting the deep emotional impact it has had on veterans and viewers alike.

Beyond its beauty, the quilt represents long-overdue recognition for these heroes, whose sacrifices—and the hardships they endured upon returning home—deserve remembrance, respect, and lasting gratitude.

Listen to Episode 3252 and discover more about how a wonderful lady in Rockport , Texas honored Vietnam Swift boat veterans.

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USAF SR-71

Episode 3251 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how a crippled SR-71 faked out North Vietnamese SAM operators. The featured story is titled: When a Crippled SR-71 Overflew Hanoi at 41k feet under Mach 1 North Vietnamese didn’t shoot it down because they thought it was booby trapped with a nuclear weapon It appeared on the Aviation Geek Club Online website and was submitted by Linda Sheffield Miller.

Miller reported that on May 15, 1972, during the Vietnam War, Major Tom Pugh and Major Ronnie Rice were flying an SR-71 Blackbird (#978), nicknamed the “Rapid Rabbit,” on what began as a routine high-speed reconnaissance mission. Cruising at Mach 3.2 and nearly 80,000 feet, the flight quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency. A strange hum in the interphone system foreshadowed a cascade of failures: first one generator went out, then the second failed just over a minute later. Without electrical power, the aircraft’s fuel pumps stopped, starving both engines and causing a complete flameout.

As the aircraft destabilized—its inlet spikes shifting forward and the jet pitching and rolling uncontrollably—Pugh prepared to order an ejection. However, the intercom failed, cutting communication with Rice. In a critical moment, Pugh carefully maintained control while reaching for a standby electrical switch. By successfully restoring partial power, he managed to relight the engines after descending to 41,000 feet and slowing to near Mach 1.

Unbeknownst to the crew at the time, they had drifted over heavily defended Hanoi, a city bristling with surface-to-air missiles. Remarkably, no attempt was made to shoot them down. Years later, a North Vietnamese general revealed the reason: they suspected the aircraft was bait, possibly carrying a nuclear weapon that would detonate if hit.

Pugh and Rice safely landed in Thailand and were awarded Air Medals for their extraordinary airmanship. Despite surviving this harrowing emergency.  the “Rapid Rabbit” was lost just months later in a landing accident, ending its remarkable story.

Listen to Episode 3251 and discover more about how a crippled SR-71 faked out North Vietnamese SAM operators.

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Cpl. Leo Perlmutter is presented with his Purple Heart medal during a ceremony at Rep. Smith’s Constituent Service Center. From left to right: Rep. Smith, SSGT Anthony Francisco, Cpl. Leo Perlmutter, Kathy Hoernlein, Peter Schneider, and Maj. Daniel Dennen. (Photo courtesy Congressman Chris Smith’s Office)

Cpl. Leo Perlmutter in Vietnam (Photo courtesy Perlmutter Family)

Episode 3250 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Leo Perlmutter finally receiving his medals for the Vietnam War. The featured story is titled: Delayed Purple Heart Awarded To Vietnam Veteran It appeared on the Jersey Shore Online website and was submitted by Jason Allentoff.

Allentoff reported that nearly sixty years after his service in the Vietnam War, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Cpl. Leo Perlmutter has finally received the recognition he earned in combat. Perlmutter was wounded during the Tet Offensive in January 1968, when North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launched coordinated attacks across South Vietnam. Amid intense mortar fire, an explosion struck near his position, leaving him injured by shrapnel. At the time, he was unaware of the severity of his wounds until a medic treated him for a head injury.

Although Perlmutter qualified for both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, the Purple Heart was never delivered, leaving a significant gap in his official recognition. That omission was finally corrected decades later when Chris Smith presented him with both medals during a ceremony in Toms River, New Jersey. The event was attended by military representatives, as well as Perlmutter’s family and friends, marking a long-overdue moment of acknowledgment.

Born in Hamburg, Germany, to Holocaust survivors, Perlmutter immigrated to the United States and volunteered for military service during a time of escalating conflict. After returning home, he built a life in New York City, working as a lifeguard and swimming instructor before eventually settling in Lakewood, New Jersey.

Efforts to secure his medals began in 2024, though delays—including lost shipments—prolonged the process. Ultimately, the ceremony not only honored Perlmutter’s personal sacrifice but also reaffirmed the nation’s enduring gratitude for those who served.

Listen to Episode 3250 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Leo Perlmutter finally receiving his medals for the Vietnam War.

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Jim Slade of Lehi holds a captured Chinese-made rifle he brought home from Vietnam.

Episode 3249 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Jim Slade’s Vietnam story. The featured story is titled: Veteran’s Stories: Lehi’s Jim Slade helped when he could and saw tragedy in Vietnam. It appeared on the Daily Herald of Provo website and was submitted by Vern Moulton.

Moulton reported that this eighth installment in a weekly series highlights the Vietnam War experiences of Jim Slade of Lehi, offering a deeply personal look at service, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of war. Though he did not choose to serve, Slade answered his country’s call with loyalty and conviction, often reminding his family that “freedom is not free.” His story reflects both the harsh realities of combat and the humanity that can emerge even in the darkest circumstances.

One particularly powerful moment occurred after Slade’s unit captured over a hundred enemy troops in a village. Amid the chaos, he discovered an injured toddler suffering from a severe wound caused by white phosphorus. The child had been abandoned and separated from her mother. Showing compassion beyond the battlefield, Slade ensured she was evacuated, received medical treatment, and was ultimately reunited with her mother—who was being held in an American POW camp. Thanks to this intervention, the child survived.

The narrative also underscores the tragic consequences of war through the story of a young soldier who enlisted for the wrong reasons. Motivated by admiration and romance, he falsified his age to join the Army. Tragically unprepared for combat, he panicked during his first mission and was killed after exposing himself to enemy fire. His death left a lasting impression on Slade, who carried the weight of that loss.

Beyond individual stories, this story emphasizes the broader toll of the Vietnam War—physical injuries, PTSD, addiction, and a divided home front. Despite this, Slade maintains a belief that the war was fought to resist oppression, reflecting the enduring complexity of that conflict.

Listen to Episode 3249 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Jim Slade’s Vietnam story.

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Vascular surgery at the VA Boston Healthcare System. A new study found that veterans exposed to Agent Orange might face higher odds of requiring coronary artery bypass graft surgery after coronary stent procedures, along with a greater overall burden of cardiovascular risk factors. VA photo

Episode 3248 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about another Agent Orange warning. The featured story is titled: Agent Orange Exposure Linked to Higher Cardiovascular Risks for Veterans. It appeared on the U.S. Medicine website and was submitted by Mary Anne Dunkin.

Dunkin reported that a new retrospective study published in Military Medicine highlights a concerning link between exposure to Agent Orange and long-term cardiovascular outcomes among Vietnam-era veterans. Researchers analyzed data from more than 100,000 veterans who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), including nearly 20,000 with documented exposure to the herbicide. The findings revealed that exposed veterans carried a significantly higher burden of cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Most notably, veterans exposed to Agent Orange were more likely to require coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery following initial stent procedures. While the study did not establish a direct causal mechanism, it suggests that these patients may have more complex, multi-vessel coronary artery disease that does not respond as effectively to stenting alone. Toxic compounds in Agent Orange, particularly dioxins like TCDD, are believed to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, which may explain these outcomes.

The research underscores the need for more cautious clinical management of exposed veterans. Recommendations include closer monitoring after PCI, possible short-term hospital observation, and earlier follow-up care. Patient education is also critical, as recognizing early signs of stent failure could improve outcomes. The study further emphasizes the importance of ongoing research into toxic exposures and cardiovascular disease, especially as expanded screening efforts under recent legislation may identify more affected veterans.

Listen to Episode 3248 and discover more about another Agent Orange warning.

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The USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. arrives at the Black Falcon Pier on March 13, 2026 for a scheduled port visit.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. (Ret.) Harvey C. Barnum Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient, sits on the bridge of the future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) during sea trials in July 2025. The ship is named in honor of Barnum, who received the Medal of Honor for valor during the Vietnam War.

Marine Corps Cpl. Patrick Iacunato and 1st Lt. Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum Jr. pose for a photo while serving in Vietnam.

Episode 3247 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the naming of a Navy destroyer to honor Marine COL Harvey Curtiss Barnum Jr. The featured story is titled: US Naval ship named after Cheshire native to be commissioned. It appeared on the New England Public Media website and was submitted by Jennifer Ahrens.

Ahrens reported that the story of Harvey Curtiss Barnum Jr. is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary character, humility, and enduring legacy of Vietnam veterans. A retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel and recipient of the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on December 18, 1965, Barnum embodies the courage displayed by so many who served during the Vietnam War. Despite his individual recognition, Barnum consistently redirects praise toward the Marines he served alongside, reflecting the deep sense of brotherhood that defines Vietnam veterans.

When Barnum learned that an USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. would be named in his honor, he was overwhelmed—not with pride for himself, but with emotion for the countless comrades who shared in the संघर्ष and sacrifice. His actions since retirement further highlight the greatness of his generation, as he continues to visit wounded service members at Walter Reed, offering encouragement drawn from a lifetime of service.

Barnum’s personal gesture of thanking every shipbuilder involved in constructing the destroyer speaks volumes about his humility and respect for others. Even as the ship’s commissioning approaches after years of delays, he insists the honor belongs to the team—not the individual.

This mindset captures what makes Vietnam veterans truly great. They carried immense burdens, faced unimaginable challenges, and returned home with quiet dignity. Barnum’s closing reflection—“I hope I haven’t done it yet”—reveals a lifelong commitment to service. It is this selflessness, resilience, and unwavering dedication that defines the greatness of all Vietnam veterans.

Listen to Episode 3247 and discover more about the naming of a Navy destroyer to honor Marine COL Harvey Curtiss Barnum Jr.

The commissioning ceremony will stream on the Defense Video Information Distribution Service.

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Douglas A-1 Skyraider

Episode 3246 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Douglas A-1 Skyraiders of Vietnam. The featured story is titled: Boneyard Files: Douglas A-1 Skyraider – The Last Piston Powerhouse in the Desert. It appeared on the Vintage Aviation News website and was submitted by Kapil Kajal.

Kajal reported that the story of the Douglas A-1 Skyraider is one of remarkable engineering brilliance, battlefield endurance, and unmatched versatility. Emerging from U.S. Navy requirements during World War II, the Skyraider evolved from the BT2D-1 prototype into a powerful single-seat attack aircraft that outclassed its competitors. First flown in 1945 and entering service shortly after, it became a cornerstone of postwar naval aviation, with over 3,000 aircraft produced across multiple variants.

What set the Skyraider apart was its extraordinary adaptability. Originally designed as a dive and torpedo bomber, it was transformed into a multi-role platform capable of electronic warfare, early warning, search and rescue, and even nuclear delivery. Its rugged construction, long loiter time, and immense payload capacity made it indispensable in combat. In fact, it could carry more ordnance than its own empty weight—an astonishing feat that underscored its raw power.

The Skyraider proved its greatness in the Korean War, სადაც it earned acclaim as one of the most effective close air support aircraft ever built. Heavily armored and capable of delivering precise, devastating strikes, it became a lifeline for ground troops. Its legend only grew during the Vietnam War, where variants like the A-1H—nicknamed “Spad”—excelled in both attack and rescue escort missions.

Perhaps most inspiring were the acts of heroism it enabled, such as Bernard F. Fisher’s daring rescue under fire. By the time of its retirement, the Skyraider had proven itself not just a machine, but a symbol of resilience, versatility, and aerial supremacy—truly one of the greatest attack aircraft in history.

Listen to Episode 3246 and discover more about the Douglas A-1 Skyraiders of Vietnam.

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Window Rock

Speaker Crystalyne Curley called on Navajo community members to hold Vietnam veterans in prayer. (Photo/NNC)

Episode 3245 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how The Navajo Nation celebrated Vietnam Veterans day. The featured story is titled: 25th Navajo Nation Council honors Vietnam War Veterans Day. It appeared on the Navajo-Hopi Observer website.

It was reported that on March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, the 25th Navajo Nation Council gathered to honor the extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of Navajo Vietnam veterans—true warriors whose greatness continues to inspire generations. This day, marking the 1973 withdrawal of U.S. combat troops, stands as a long-overdue moment of recognition for those who served with honor during one of America’s most difficult conflicts.

At the Nahata Dziil community’s 2nd Annual Celebrating Our Vietnam Veterans Event, Speaker Crystalyne Curley and Council Delegates Arbin Mitchell and Dr. Andy Nez paid tribute not only to the veterans, but also to their families, who carried the heavy burden of uncertainty and fear back home. Unlike today’s service members, these veterans returned to a nation that often failed to welcome them. Yet, despite that painful reality, Navajo Vietnam veterans upheld a proud tradition of Diné military service—meeting adversity with resilience, dignity, and unwavering strength.

Their greatness is reflected in both their battlefield bravery and their cultural foundation. Grounded in tradition, faith, and community, these warriors endured unimaginable hardship while embodying honor and selflessness. Many gave their lives, and others remain missing, their absence still felt deeply across generations.

Through prayers, traditional songs, and continued advocacy—such as legislation strengthening veterans’ organizations—the Navajo Nation ensures these heroes are never forgotten. The Council’s message was clear and powerful: gratitude, respect, and remembrance must endure.

The legacy of Navajo Vietnam veterans is one of unmatched courage and spiritual strength—a testament to a people whose warriors answered the call and forever shaped history with honor.

Listen to Episode 3245 and discover more about How The Navajo Nation celebrated Vietnam Veterans day.

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Vietnam veteran Lee Alley, center, talks about his journey back to Vietnam during a panel about the PBS Documentary, “Home from the Vietnam War.” (Renee Jean, Cowboy State Daily)

National Museum of Military Vehicles owner Dan Starks speaks at the Vietnam Veterans Day event at the museum.

Episode 3244 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Part 2 of a story about How Vietnam Veterans Day was celebrated in Wyoming. The featured story is titled: Decades Late, Vietnam Veterans Finally Get A Wyoming Welcome Home. It appeared on the Cowboy State Daily website and was submitted by Renée Jean.

Jean reported that Welcome Home Day in Dubois brought together veterans and civilians to honor the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the Vietnam War, highlighted by the powerful story of Lee Alley. Featured in the PBS documentary Home from the Vietnam War, Alley’s experience captured both the intensity of combat and the lifelong emotional toll it carries. Widely recognized as Wyoming’s most decorated veteran, Alley earned numerous medals for his extraordinary bravery during a 1967 battle at Fire Support Base Cudgel.

Facing overwhelming enemy forces, Alley ordered his men to retreat across a river while he remained behind alone, providing cover fire. Armed with weapons and grenades handed off by his fellow soldiers, he fought relentlessly, fully expecting to die in order to save his unit. Despite his heroic actions, Alley has never viewed himself as a hero, instead grappling with the harsh reality of what war forced him to become.

Decades later, the war continues to affect him through recurring nightmares and deep personal reflection. His return to Vietnam became a journey toward understanding and healing. In a profound moment, Alley met a former enemy soldier, and the two shared their mutual struggles with trauma. Their emotional exchange, culminating in forgiveness and a promise to move forward, lifted a burden Alley had carried for years.

The event also underscored a broader issue: many veterans continue to fight internal battles long after returning home. आयोजers emphasized the urgent need for support, connection, and recognition, reminding all in attendance that honoring veterans must go beyond words to meaningful action.

Listen to Episode 3244 and discover more about How Vietnam Veterans Day was celebrated in Wyoming.

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Richard C0y0te Parks Sr. is Senior State Ride Captain for the Patriot Guard Riders. He brought seven other veterans with him from Casper for Wyoming’s Welcome Home Day held at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois. (Renee Jean, Cowboy State Daily)

Episode 3243 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about How Vietnam Veterans Day was celebrated in Wyoming. The featured story is titled: Decades Late, Vietnam Veterans Finally Get A Wyoming Welcome Home. It appeared on the Cowboy State Daily website and was submitted by Renée Jean.

Jean reported that The story of Richard “C0y0te” Parks, Sr. is a powerful reminder of both the ауыр sacrifices and the enduring strength of the Vietnam Veteran Generation. A combat veteran who still finds the Vietnam exhibit at the National Museum of Military Vehicles too real to face, Parks carries memories that never fade—memories shared by millions who served in one of America’s most challenging wars. His reaction to the museum’s immersive jungle display speaks volumes about the reality these young men endured, a reality so intense that even decades later, many cannot relive it.

Yet what makes this generation truly remarkable is not only what they faced overseas, but what they endured when they came home. Instead of gratitude, many were met with hostility, rejection, and painful misunderstanding. Parks’ struggles—years of emotional hardship, rejection from society, and reliance on alcohol to cope—reflect the experience of countless Vietnam veterans who returned to a country unprepared to receive them.

Despite this, they persevered. They rebuilt their lives, leaned on family, and continued to serve their communities. Events like Wyoming’s Welcome Home Day represent a long-overdue recognition of their courage, sacrifice, and resilience. With only a fraction of the 3.4 million who served still alive today, the urgency to honor them has never been greater.

The Vietnam Veteran Generation stands as one of the most resilient and unbreakable in American history—warriors who endured the unimaginable abroad and injustice at home, yet never lost their sense of duty, brotherhood, or love of country.

Listen to Episode 3243 and discover more about How Vietnam Veterans Day was celebrated in Wyoming.