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Site of the battle in 2005

Episode 3101 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Battle of Long Tan and its effect on the Australian troops who fought there. The featured story appeared on the T and F Website and was titled: Combatant grief and military mourning: 6RAR in the aftermath of Long Tan, 1966–1969. It was submitted by Kristen Alexander and Kate Ariotti.

They reported that the Battle of Long Tan, fought on 18 August 1966, stands as a defining moment of bravery in Australian military history. In the face of overwhelming odds, 108 soldiers from D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) fought valiantly against a vastly superior Viet Cong force in a rubber plantation near Nui Dat, South Vietnam. Despite the intense combat and chaotic conditions, D Company held their ground with the aid of artillery fire and a daring ammunition resupply. Reinforcements and armoured personnel carriers eventually turned the tide, forcing the enemy to retreat.

Eighteen Australian soldiers lost their lives, making it the costliest single engagement for Australian forces during the Vietnam War. Yet, their sacrifice was not in vain. The battle was hailed as a stunning victory and an “epic of courage” by American military leaders. However, behind the celebration lay deep grief and trauma. The survivors of 6RAR were bound to their fallen comrades through a shared sense of sacrifice and duty. In the days and years following the battle, these bonds were expressed in solemn military rituals, the respectful handling of the dead, and the erection of the Long Tan Cross as a permanent memorial.

The recovery of the dead was harrowing. Poor weather, darkness, and fears of enemy reprisals complicated the effort. Soldiers wrapped their comrades in groundsheets, carried them through mud and rain, and later shared emotional stories of mourning and unresolved grief. Their bravery did not end on the battlefield—it continued in their commitment to honour the fallen. The Battle of Long Tan remains a powerful symbol of courage, loss, and the enduring legacy of brotherhood among Australian soldiers.

Listen to Episode 3101 and discover more about the Battle of Long Tan and its effect on the Australian troops who fought there.

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South Dakota Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jeremiah Schneider

Episode 3100 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature news items from South Dakota about what the good people of that state are doing to honor the memory of their Vietnam War veterans and POW/MIA’s.

On September 19, 2025, the people of South Dakota once again will demonstrate their unwavering commitment to honoring America’s heroes, as Governor Larry Rhoden proclaimed POW/MIA Recognition Day across the state. In a deeply moving observance, South Dakotans will come together to remember the sacrifices of prisoners of war and those still missing in action—men and women who served with honor and never returned home.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jeremiah Schneider, a veteran himself, emphasized the solemn responsibility of remembrance. “We owe an enduring debt to our prisoners of war and those missing in action,” he said. “And we continue to advocate tirelessly for their recovery and recognition.”

South Dakota continues to honor six unaccounted-for veterans from the Vietnam War, along with dozens more from previous conflicts. On this day, flags were flown, ceremonies held, and families embraced as communities reaffirmed their pledge: You are not forgotten.

Highlighting this commitment, the state will dedicate the US HWY 14A bridge over Deadwood Creek as the PFC Peter R. Ommen Bridge on September 18. PFC Ommen, a U.S. Marine mortarman, gave his life in the Vietnam War during Operation Prairie IV in 1967. The bridge dedication, part of the Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication Program, is one of many ways South Dakota ensures its heroes are never just names on a page—but stories etched into the land itself.

“Through these bridges, their stories remain a vital part of South Dakota’s heritage,” Schneider noted. “These are not just structures—they are reminders of sacrifice, courage, and the price of freedom.”

In every flag flown and every bridge named, the good people of South Dakota continue to lead the nation in remembrance, gratitude, and honor.

Listen to Episode 3100 and discover more about what the good people of South Dakota are doing to honor the memory of their Vietnam War veterans and POW/MIA’s.

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Roger Lockshier, Vietnam Vet and author.

Episode 3099 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature an interview with Roger Lockshier who talks about his service in Vietnam with the 101^st Airborne Division and USARVSOG(Studies and Observation Group). He will also tell about his tremendous new book titled: Saving Infantry and SOG Souls.

Roger joined the Army in April of 1966 and later became a crew member on a helicopter gunship in the 101^st Airborne Division. Little did he know what was in store for him when his unit became “hired guns” for SOG elements that carried out some of the most dangerous missions of the Vietnam War. During his one year tour in Vietnam he saw some of the most deadly combat in the War.

After being released from contractual restrictions that kept him from discussing his service with the SOG he has written two books about that service. In this episode he tells about his book titled: Saving Infantry and SOG Souls.

The book tells about 101st Airborne Helicopter Gunships Supporting Airborne Infantry, LRRPs, and Special Forces SOG Units in South Vietnam, North Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Bien Hoa, Hue, Northern I Corps, & the A-Shau Valley.

In Chapter 13, Roger tells the harrowing story of the rescue mission carried out by Captain Jerry Fry, his flight platoon leader. In the mission, Captain Fry rescued ten badly wounded members of an infantry unit. The rescue occurred at night under heavy enemy fire.

Captain Fry was recommended for the Medal of Honor by the ground unit commander. Unfortunately the paperwork for the recommendation was not properly administered and the award was downgraded to a DSC.

Roger Lockshier requests your support in getting the DSC award upgraded to the richly deserved Medal of honor for Captain Fry. CLICK HERE and add your support for the upgrade. 

Listen to Episode 3099 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Roger Lockshier and his book Saving Infantry and SOG Souls.

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Steve Ritchie in 2007

Capt. Richard S. Ritchie, in South Vietnam – 1972, with the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, is pictured beside his aircraft following the mission in which he became the first Air Force ace of the Vietnam conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Collings Foundation F-4D Phantom II marked as 555TFS 66–7463, flown by Ritchie for 1st and 5th kills

Episode 3098 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Part 3 about U.S. Air Force Vietnam Air Ace Steve Ritchie.

Colonel Steve Ritchie stands as one of America’s most formidable fighter aces and an exemplary citizen-soldier. His final and fifth MiG kill, achieved on August 28, 1972, cemented his legacy as the only U.S. Air Force pilot ace of the Vietnam War. While leading “Buick” flight on a MiGCAP mission north of Hanoi, Ritchie’s tactical brilliance and situational awareness were on full display. Drawing on intelligence from the newly implemented Linebacker Conferences and the advanced Combat Tree radar system, Ritchie identified and intercepted two MiG-21s threatening fellow U.S. aircraft. Despite firing multiple AIM-7 Sparrows at long range—beyond the missiles’ optimal envelope—Ritchie’s persistence and precision paid off. His final shot struck true, destroying the MiG in a high-speed aerial duel that mirrored textbook training missions he once taught.

Over the course of 339 combat missions and 800+ flying hours, Ritchie earned some of the highest honors in American aviation: the Mackay Trophy, the Jabara Award, and the Armed Forces Award. His leadership extended beyond the battlefield. After Vietnam, he served with distinction in the Air National Guard, the Air Force Reserve, and in several influential civilian roles, including as director of the Office of Child Support Enforcement and a mobilization assistant to the Air Force Recruiting Service.

Ritchie’s post-military life was equally dedicated to service, patriotism, and public engagement. A motivational speaker and air show performer, he continued to inspire new generations with his commitment to excellence. Promoted to brigadier general in 1994, he retired in 1999 with over 4,000 flight hours. In 2015, he received the Congressional Gold Medal, a fitting tribute to both his valor in combat and his lifelong devotion to country. Steve Ritchie’s career is a powerful testament to greatness in both battle and citizenship.

Listen to Episode 3098 and discover more about U.S. Air Force Vietnam Air Ace Steve Ritchie.

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Capt. Richard S. Ritchie, in South Vietnam – 1972, with the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, is pictured beside his aircraft following the mission in which he became the first Air Force ace of the Vietnam conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Collings Foundation F-4D Phantom II marked as 555TFS 66–7463, flown by Ritchie for 1st and 5th kills

Episode 3097 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature more about U.S. Air Force Vietnam Air Ace Steve Ritchie. Information in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Richard “Steve” Ritchie seemed destined to stand above the crowd—because he believed he belonged there. Born in Reidsville, North Carolina, he was the kind of athlete who brushed off broken legs to star on the football field, the type of cadet who walked on to the Air Force Academy football team and forced his way into the starting lineup. That same unshakable confidence would carry him into the skies over Vietnam, where his name became legend.

Cocky? Certainly. General Robin Olds himself called Ritchie “brilliant” but also “God’s gift”—a man who knew his worth and flaunted it. He strutted through the squadron halls drenched in Old Spice, dismissing complaints about overuse with a smirk. Yet when the canopy closed and his hands gripped the stick of an F-4 Phantom II, ego became precision, swagger became lethal instinct.

Ritchie’s mastery of the Phantom wasn’t luck. He demanded to fly constantly, every two or three days, perfecting every maneuver, memorizing the limits of his aircraft and the quirks of his missiles. His aggressive intelligence made him dangerous, and his confidence made him fearless. In 1972, during Operation Linebacker, he turned that combination into results—five confirmed kills, all MiG-21s, making him the U.S. Air Force’s only ace of the Vietnam War. He did it with missiles many considered unreliable, forcing the AIM-7 Sparrow to obey his will.

Competitors rose—other pilots racked up victories—but Ritchie surged ahead, carving his place in history. To his peers, his ego sometimes grated; to his country, his arrogance translated into unmatched skill. Decorated with the Air Force Cross and recognized as the 30th most decorated service member in American history, Steve Ritchie embodied the fighter pilot ideal: supremely confident, brash, and great enough to back it up.

He didn’t just believe he was the best—he proved it.

Listen to Episode 3097 and discover more about U.S. Air Force Vietnam Air Ace Steve Ritchie.

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Capt. Richard S. Ritchie, USAF First Air Force Ace in the Vietnam conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Episode 3096 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about U.S. Air Force Vietnam Air Ace Steve Ritchie. The featured story appeared on the Vintage Aviation News website and was titled Today in Aviation History: Captain Richard S. “Steve” Ritchie Becomes the First U.S. Air Force Ace of the Vietnam War. It was submitted by Moreno Aguiari.

Afuiari reported that Ritchie’s path to ace began long before his historic fifth kill. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he first flew nearly 200 combat missions during his 1968 tour in Southeast Asia. After returning stateside as an instructor, his relentless drive brought him back into the fight with the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron—the famed “Triple Nickels.” From May to August 1972, Ritchie and DeBellevue systematically dismantled enemy MiGs, employing unmatched precision and courage in the unforgiving arena of jet combat.

The pinnacle came on August 28, when Ritchie outmaneuvered a MiG-21 in a high-speed duel, firing a pair of missiles that secured his fifth kill and ace status. He was one of only two pilots in the Vietnam War to earn that distinction, a symbol of his exceptional prowess.

The Air Force pilots of Vietnam, like Ritchie, operated in the most technologically advanced and deadly air combat environment of the era. Their achievements reflect not only technical excellence, but heroic resolve. Captain Ritchie’s legacy endures as a shining example of the greatness of Vietnam War Air Force pilots.

Listen to Episode 3096 and discover more about U.S. Air Force Vietnam Air Ace Steve Ritchie.

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VA Community Care Program

Episode 3095 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the VA Community Care program. The featured story appeared in the Osceola News Gazette of Kissimmee, Florida and is titled: Veteran’s Voice — VA expands Community Care; pending legislation will add more options. The story was submitted by Terry Lloyd on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

Lloyd reported that The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving healthcare access for veterans through recent enhancements to its Community Care program. As of August, the VA has expanded the duration of new community care authorizations to a full year for 30 standardized types of care, significantly reducing the administrative burden of frequent reevaluations and helping prevent interruptions in vital services. These services span key areas such as cardiac care, women’s health, mental health, and addiction treatment—ensuring veterans receive continuous, high-quality care close to home when needed.

Building on this momentum, the proposed Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025 seeks to codify community care eligibility and access standards into law, ensuring consistency and accountability across the system. It also introduces periodic review of care, particularly in mental health and addiction services—highlighting the VA’s ongoing dedication to holistic veteran health. While some fear the Act could lead to future privatization, it currently stands as a move toward greater access and transparency.

In a parallel effort to support all veterans, recent findings from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) have brought long-overdue attention to Vietnam veterans’ exposure to toxic burn pits. Although the PACT Act made significant strides for more recent veterans, the GAO’s acknowledgment of Vietnam-era burn pit exposure calls for renewed action. This underscores the VA’s essential role in not only delivering healthcare but in persistently advocating for justice and recognition for all who served.

CLICK HERE For more information about the ACCESS Act.

CLICK HERE For more on burn pit benefits.

Listen to Episode 3095 and discover more about the VA Community Care Program.

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An aerial view of Southwest Cay, also known as Pugad Island, controlled by Vietnam and part of the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea, April 21, 2017. [REUTERS/Francis Malasig/Pool/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights]

Episode 3094 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about what Vietnam is doing to counter the Chinese threat in the South China Sea. The featured story comes from Reuters and is titled: Vietnam island building in Spratlys may soon surpass China’s, report says.

Amid the vast, contested expanse of the South China Sea, Vietnam stands resolute, a determined nation taking on an immense adversary in China. The Spratly Islands, an isolated chain of reefs and rocks, have become a battleground for influence and power, with Vietnam now making bold moves to assert its territorial claims.

In 2021, Vietnam began an ambitious reclamation project, and since the start of this year, the pace has only quickened. Satellite images reveal the rapid expansion of artificial land, with new islands emerging from once barren reefs like Alison, Collins, and East Reef. By March 2025, Vietnam’s reclaimed land will rival, and perhaps surpass, China’s own colossal island-building efforts. From just a few scattered pillbox structures, the Vietnamese have transformed the Spratlys into a network of fortified islands, complete with munitions storage and military infrastructure.

For Vietnam, this is no ordinary construction project—this is a bold defiance against a far larger, more powerful neighbor. China, with its far-reaching claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, has built up massive islands, including military airstrips and facilities. But Vietnam is undeterred, drawing on the grit and resilience that runs deep in its history.

The Vietnamese know the stakes. They may not have China’s size or resources, but they have something no one can measure: their fierce determination to defend what they claim as theirs. Their island-building is not just a physical expansion; it’s a defiant symbol of their sovereignty in the face of a much stronger foe.

Listen to Episode 3094 and discover more about what Vietnam is doing to counter the Chinese threat in the South China Sea.

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Vietnamese children flee from their homes in the South Vietnamese village of Trang Bang after South Vietnamese planes accidentally dropped a napalm bomb on the village,[©Bettmann // Getty Images]

North Vietnamese tanks roll into Saigon in 1975 effectively ending the war. [©Pictures from History // Getty Images]

Episode 3093 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will continue a look at the  story that looks at 46 facts about the Vietnam War you may not know. The featured story appeared on the MSN website and was aptly titled: 46 facts about the Vietnam War you may not know. The story was submitted by Elias Sorich.

The story reports that the closing years of the Vietnam War revealed some of its most haunting images and pivotal turning points. In June 1972, the world was shaken by a photograph showing terrified children, including nine-year-old Phan Thi Kim Phuc, fleeing from a napalm strike mistakenly dropped by South Vietnamese planes on the village of Trang Bang. The image became a symbol of the war’s devastating impact on civilians.

That same year, North Vietnam launched the massive Easter Offensive, a coordinated attack supported by Soviet and Chinese weaponry. While initially successful, the offensive was eventually repelled at great cost—100,000 North Vietnamese troops killed, along with 43,000 South Vietnamese casualties and over 25,000 civilians dead. More than one million civilians were displaced, underscoring the enormous human toll.

In December 1972, President Nixon ordered Operation Linebacker, an intensive bombing campaign against North Vietnam. Although it caused heavy destruction and over 1,600 civilian deaths, historians argue that Hanoi had already been preparing to return to peace talks, making the operation’s strategic value questionable.

The following month, the Paris Peace Accords ended direct U.S. involvement, with Operation Homecoming in 1973 returning 591 American prisoners of war. Yet, despite the agreement, North Vietnam prepared for a final offensive. By 1975, President Gerald Ford declared that the U.S. would not reenter the conflict.

In April 1975, North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon, prompting the U.S. evacuation of more than 7,000 refugees alongside American personnel. South Vietnam surrendered unconditionally, leading to the formal reunification of Vietnam under communist rule in July 1975.

The war’s end ignited a humanitarian crisis, as more than three million people fled Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos over the next two decades. The legacy of loss, displacement, and resilience continues to shape Southeast Asia and American memory of the war.

Listen to Episode 3093 and discover more about Vietnam War facts.

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Henry Kissinger (at left) conducted negotiations throughout 68 meetings with Le Duc Tho (at right), a member of North Vietnam’s politburo.[cret peace negotiations ©Bettmann // Getty Images]

South Vietnamese troops move into Laos during Operation Lam Son 719 [©Christopher Jensen // Getty Images]

Episode 3092 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will continue a look at the  story that looks at 46 facts about the Vietnam War you may not know. The featured story appeared on the MSN website and was aptly titled: 46 facts about the Vietnam War you may not know. The story was submitted by Elias Sorich.

While the Vietnam War is often remembered for its bloody battles and divisive politics, there are a number of lesser-known events between 1970 and 1972 that reveal the deep complexities of the conflict both at home and abroad.

In February 1970, secret peace talks were underway between U.S. National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger and North Vietnamese politburo member Le Duc Tho. Over the course of 68 meetings, they negotiated what would become the Paris Peace Accords of 1973. Yet even as Kissinger spoke of peace, he was simultaneously involved in escalating the war. Both men were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, but Le Duc Tho famously declined the honor, and Kissinger later attempted to return his after South Vietnam collapsed in 1975.

Meanwhile, dissent exploded at home. On May 4, 1970, Ohio National Guardsmen opened fire on unarmed students protesting the U.S. invasion of Cambodia at Kent State University. Four students were killed and nine wounded, shocking the nation. Just a month later, in June 1970, Congress attempted to restrain presidential power by repealing the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, though Nixon insisted he needed no such authority to wage war.

The test of Nixon’s Vietnamization policy came in early 1971 with Operation Lam Son, a disastrous South Vietnamese invasion of Laos intended to sever the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Instead, thousands of casualties, the loss of armored vehicles, and hundreds of downed U.S. aircraft underscored the weakness of South Vietnam’s forces.

Domestic disillusionment deepened when The New York Times published the Pentagon Papers in June 1971, revealing decades of government deception about the war. Protests intensified, symbolized by the dramatic burning of draft cards in May 1972. Together, these events exposed both the military failures abroad and the crumbling trust in government at home, accelerating America’s path to withdrawal.

Listen to Episode 3092 and discover more about Vietnam War facts.