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Edward Franks Jr. today.

Edward Franks Jr. when he retired in 1991

Episode 2562 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Edward Franks Jr. who is living the good life in Louisiana today. The featured story comes from KTBS of Shreveport, Louisiana and is titled: Haughton man saw action in Vietnam at infamous Battle of Hamburger Hill. The story was submitted by Bill Lunn.

Edward Franks Jr. of Haughton, Louisiana served in the U.S. Army for 26 years. Two of those years were spent on Vietnam with the 101^st Airborne Division. He was on the tip of the spear in two of the biggest battles of the War – The Battles of Dak To and Hamburger Hill.

Edward is another tremendous representative of the great Vietnam Generation – one as great as any that ever heeded the call of duty from their country.

His story is very inspiration. He related an incident that highlighted the poignancy of war. The death and destruction he saw was personal, even if it was the enemy. Edward related this: “This one man that I killed, I went and looked at the pictures he had. He had a wife and kids. He was a Vietnamese, but he had a family. And I was the one that took him away from that.”

Like many vets he struggled with the gruesome memories of combat.

“After we came back, I had a really tough time trying to get over what I did,” Franks said. “I had to get over it. I still have guilt about that.”

Franks served a total of 26 years in the Army, retiring in 1991 as a sergeant first class. Franks was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

Edward Franks Jr. is a great American.     

Listen to episode 2562 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Edward Franks Jr. who is living the good life in Louisiana today.

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Cluster Bomb Legacy

Retired US Air Force officer Mike Burton, the board chairman of Legacies of War, an organization that raises awareness about the history of the bombing of Laos during the Vietnam War, now chairs the US Campaign to Ban Landmines & Cluster Munitions Coalition.

Episode 2561 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about why USAF Vietnam Vet Mike Burton regrets his part in the dropping of cluster bombs during the Vietnam War. The featured story is titled, US veteran in Vietnam War regrets dropping cluster bombs. It appeared in the Global Times. The Global Times of Beijing, China was launched in April 2009. According to its website, the Global Times takes great pains to present facts and views that could help the readers better understand China.

Mike Burton was commissioned in the USAF in 1962 and spent the early years of his Air Force career in Special Operations. He was assigned to the 56th Air Commando Wing in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand in 1966 as the US was building up its bombing missions into Laos. The 56th was heavily involved in interdiction warfare against the Ho Chi Minh Trail that ran through Laos.

Back in episode 2554 of this podcast the issue of cluster bomb use by the US during the American Vietnam War was discussed. It was pointed out that 280,000 tons of cluster bombs were dropped over Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in the War. Unfortunately 80,000 of those dropped cluster bombs did not detonate. To this day, thousands of people in those countries have died or been maimed by unexploded cluster bomb-lets.

It was pointed out in the episode that our president has decided the US will provide Ukraine with cluster bombs because the US is running short of ammunition. In episode 2554 it was suggested that the decision to send cluster bombs to Ukraine is madness.

Mike Burton participated in the delivery of cluster bombs in the war. Today he regrets his part in the bombing.

Burton said this about the situation: “All that was accomplished by using these inhumane weapons was to leave a trail of destruction that remains to this day, and a deep sense of regret for US veterans like myself.”

Listen to episode 2561 and discover more about why USAF Vietnam Vet Mike Burton regrets his part in the dropping of cluster bombs during the Vietnam War.

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Dr. Vivian B. Blevins conducts a program in Ohio to help Vietnam Vets record their War memories.

Episode 2560 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the program in Ohio that helps Vietnam Veterans record their memories of their times in Vietnam on paper and videos. The featured story comes from The Sidney Daily News and is titled: Military veterans have stories to tell. It was submitted by Dr. Vivian B. Blevins. She teaches telecommunication employees from around the country and students at Edison State Community College and works with veterans. She can be reached at 937-778-3815 or vbblevins@woh.rr.com or vblevins@edisonohio.edu.

Dr. Blevins conducts programs at the Miami Valley Veterans Museum that helps area Vietnam Veterans record their memories of the War. She said the vets know that writing their stories is a challenging task, but they understand the value.

U.S. Marine veteran Roger Jones spent 28 months in country and says, “I’ve never talked about it much, and in the last 10 years, I’ve started loosening up a little bit about it. Even when my grandkids were studying the Vietnam War in school, I just told them I really didn’t want to talk about it. Now, I want them to understand where I was and what I did.”

Stephen King, U.S. Navy, indicates, “I’d like for my family to look back and see the experiences I had. All my military records are available to examine, but unless they take the time to look through all of them, they won’t know, so I just thought it would be nice to put them in writing.” U.S. Army veteran Mel Shane and U.S. Navy veteran Nick Mott agree that they want their family members to know about their work in the Vietnam War.

All Vietnam Veterans are encouraged to seek out programs like that of Dr Blevins to record their memories of the War.

Listen to episode 2560 and discover more about the program in Ohio that helps Vietnam Veterans record their memories of their times in Vietnam on paper and videos.

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Episode 2559 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the question of Agent Orange benefits for Maine National Guardsmen. The featured story comes from CBS and is titled Agent Orange continues to haunt lives of U.S. veterans trained in New Brunswick – Maine commission will study whether U.S. veterans were exposed to Agent Orange at CFB Gagetown.

The story was provided by Harry Forestell of CBS News. He is the host of CBC News New Brunswick at 6. He worked in London as journalist from 1995 to 2000 and from 2005 to 2008 as CBC’s European correspondent for Newsworld.

Forestell’s story describes the rising situation involving Maine National Guard troops who trained at the Canadian military support base in Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada.

It seems, as reported by the Canadian  Department of National Defence, back in 1966 and 1967 a test spraying of the U.S.-supplied herbicide was conducted at the New Brunswick base.

The Department maintains it only received two barrels of Agent Orange and Agent Purple, for testing during those two years. The Defence Department also admitted it sprayed for three days in 1966 and four days in 1967 over a limited and remote area.

After the spraying, Canadian military personnel who trained at the base began to come down with diseases on the U.S. list of medical conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange.

In response to this situation, the Canadian government established a $95.6 million fund in 2007 to compensate Canadian military members who may have been exposed to Agent Orange.

As with the Canadians, members of the Maine National Guard are experiencing similar Agent Orange related medical conditions.

Maine governor Janet Mills established a commission to “study the impacts of exposure to harmful chemicals on veterans who served at the Canadian base at Gagetown.

Listen to episode 2559 and discover more about the question of Agent Orange benefits for Maine National Guardsmen.

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Episode 2558 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Marine Vietnam Veteran Charles “Chuck” Mawhinney and his record as a sniper in Vietnam. The featured story appeared on The Business Insider website and is titled: How the hidden story of the most lethal Marine Corps sniper came out after decades of secrecy and what happened when it did.

The story was submitted by Ryan Pickrell. He is the military and defense section editor at Insider, where he edits and reports on defense and security issues.

• The deadliest Marine sniper by number of confirmed kills is Chuck Mawhinney.
• He kept his service in Vietnam, including his work as a sniper, a secret for years.
• Everything changed for Mawhinney when a book he wasn’t expecting came out.

Jim Lindsay’s The Sniper reveals, for the first time ever, the full story of the deadliest sniper in Marine Corps history, Chuck Mawhinney, who served in the Vietnam war at age 18—written with his full cooperation and participation.

Charles “Chuck” Mawhinney is a United States Marine who holds the Corps’ record for the most confirmed sniper kills (and the second most of any US service member in history), having recorded 103 confirmed kills in 16 months during the Vietnam War. He was also the youngest—killing the enemy as a teenager.

In 1967, at the age of 18, Mawhinney joined the Marines and began his assent from recruit to the Marine Corps’ deadliest sniper. During his tours—in one of the most dangerous war zones of Vietnam—his character and charisma helped him deal with life and death in a hell hole with other young men a long way from home.

Listen to episode 2558 and discover more about Marine Vietnam Veteran Charles “Chuck” Mawhinney and his record as a sniper in Vietnam.

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The Canadian Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

Episode 2557 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how Canadian Vietnam Veterans are being honored in British Columbia. The featured story appeared in the Cowichan Valley Citizen of Duncan, BC and is titled, Canadian Vietnam Veterans Memorial coming to Vancouver Island, Display is part of a busy summer at Courtenay’s HMCS Alberni Museum Memorial.

Many Americans are unaware that 40,000 Canadians came to America during the Vietnam War and volunteered to serve with the American military in Vietnam. 134 of those Canadians gave their lives in the conflict.

The Canadian Vietnam Veteran’s Association was formed in 1978. Its objective are:  

• To assist and support the Canadian Vietnam and Vietnam era Veterans, including their families.
• To bring unity of all who have served and to kindle in them the spirit of comradeship and mutual help.
• To perpetuate the memory and deeds of the fallen.
• To foster international peace and good will.
• To help Canadian Vietnam Veterans in obtaining benefits through the Canadian, and or US government.

This summer, the HMCS Alberni Museum & Memorial (HAMM) in Courtenay will host a visit by the special travelling exhibit, “The Canadian Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.” The exhibit will be on display August 18 and 19, 2023. The location of the Museum and Memorial is 625 5^th Street in Courtenay.

For more information contact HAMM (250-897-4611) or visit the Canadian Vietnam Veteran’s Association website (www.cvva.ca). HMCS ALBERNI Museum & Memorial 625 Fifth Street, Courtenay

All in the area, both Canadian And US, are encouraged to attend this event in Courtenay, BC to show respect and gratitude for these brave Canadians who died in the Vietnam War serving alongside their fellow North Americans, They deserve our respect.

Listen to episode 2557 and discover more about how Canadian Vietnam Veterans are being honored in British Columbia.

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Tom Gotterup

Episode 2556 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the testimony of Marine Vietnam Veteran Tom Gotterup. The featured story comes from the Citrus County Chronicle and is titled: A homecoming after 60 years. It was submitted by Ardath Prendergast. She is vice president Operations & BRE of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce.

Sixty years ago, 17 year old Tom Gotterup left his home in Queens, New York and traveled to Parris Island, South Carolina. There he became a U.S. Marine. Recently he returned to Parris Island for the first time since his departure to Vietnam.

As he toured the grounds the memories came back to him. The memories of his time on the island were etched deep within him, and the opportunity to return and reconnect with his past was an emotional and significant experience.

As he walked the familiar paths and searched out the original location of the barracks of the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion where he was assigned, Gotterup was flooded with memories of his time as a recruit. He recalled the challenges, the camaraderie, and the demanding training that tested his physical and mental limits. Gotterup’s return was not merely a trip down memory lane, but a chance to pay homage to the place that shaped him into the Marine he became.

For Tom Gotterup, Parris Island will forever hold a special place in his heart. It is where his journey as a Marine began, where he found his purpose and where he discovered the indomitable spirit that defines the few and the proud.

His return after 60 years serves as a testament to the lasting impact of the Marine Corps and a testament to the resilience of those who have served in its ranks.

Listen to episode 2556 and discover more about the testimony of Marine Vietnam Veteran Tom Gotterup.

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Larry Taylor

Episode 2555 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story more about the Vietnam Cobra pilot, Larry Taylor, who is tapped to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. The featured story comes from the Aviation Geek Club and is titled: Vietnam War AH-1 pilot who lifted four US Army soldiers clinging to the Cobra’s skids and rocket pods out of harm’s way to receive the Medal of Honor. It was submitted by Dario Leone.

In his story, Leone tells the story of Vietnam Vet Larry Taylor. He heroically saved four Army soldiers from sure death by hauling them out of harms way on the skids and rocket pods of his Cobra gunship.

According to the story on Jun. 12, 1968, Taylor and his wingman were flying a fire mission for a four man LRRP team. The team was ambushed by enemy forces and quickly became on the verge of being wiped out.

Taylor flew over the battlefield, providing critical air support until their ammunition was depleted, along with co-pilot J.O. Ratliff and another Cobra helicopter.

Taylor came up with an audacious plan to rescue the four soldiers. He instructed the LRRP team to move to a relative safe location. He landed his Cobra in the midst of the firefight, with the soldiers on the ground clinging tightly to the helicopter’s skids and rocket pods. Despite the immense danger, Taylor skillfully lifted the men out of harm’s way and transported them to a safer location several miles away.

For his bravery in that action, Taylor was awarded a Silver Star for his Valor. In 1999 former Army Ranger Dave Hill and another Army Ranger discussed the event during a unit reunion. They believed the pilot deserved a higher degree of recognition for his bravery.

After a two decade effort, The president will award Larry Taylor the Congressional Medal of Honor at the White House.

Listen to episode 2555 and discover more about the Vietnam Cobra pilot, Larry Taylor, who is tapped to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.

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Unexploded cluster bombs in Laos.

Episode 2554 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the decision by our president to supply Ukraine with cluster bombs for its war with Russia. The featured story appeared on USA Today and is titled: Biden is wrong to send cluster bombs to Ukraine. 50 years later, they’re still killing in Laos. With cluster bombs, the killing doesn’t stop when the war ends. Wherever they land, children playing, gardening, herding cattle or digging an irrigation canal decades later all become dangerous.

The story was submitted by opinion contributor Titus Peachey. Titus Peachey, emeritus board chairman of Legacies of War, is a steering committee member of the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines & Cluster Munitions Coalitions.

One of the primary purposes of this podcast is to inform the world about the Vietnam War and its legacies both good and bad. The reason for this is to make sure our leaders do not repeat the mistakes made in that War. Apparently this has not been successful

One of the darkest hangovers of the Vietnam War is the results of the use of cluster bombs primarily in the secret war next door in Laos. Millions of cluster bombs were dropped in Laos and Vietnam. 30% of those bombs did not detonate when they hit the ground.

For the last 50 years, Laotians have been dying with cluster bombs explode. At least 25,000 have died. Millions of dollars have been spent to remove unexploded cluster bombs.

History has shown, if cluster bombs are used in Ukraine, the war will be expanded and extended for years. It is time for the leaders of this country to show wisdom and leadership by refusing to send cluster bombs to Ukraine.

Listen to episode 2554 and discover more about the decision by our president to supply Ukraine with cluster bombs for its war with Russia.

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Recommended reading

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Episode 2553 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about, a new book by John S. O’Connor II, released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc. and titled, Stories from War: Vietnam.

The featured story comes from PRLeap. It offers the perfect mix of Online PR. Our publishing platform makes it easy to package your story and leverage SEO, Social Media and our distribution network to spread your message and engage.

PRLeap at a Glance:

• It was founded in 2003 by Mario and Merrick Lozano aka The Lozano Brothers.
• Over 30,000 companies have used PRLeap to connect with people who care about their brand, product or service.
• PRLeap is proudly made in San Diego.
• They run a small and profitable business with no outside funding.
• They enjoy spending time with our families when we’re away.

The new book is based on real stories and real people, Stories from War: Vietnam details the brutality of the Vietnam War through a series of short stories. From the horrors of war, the immense loneliness, to small moments of levity, each story is a reminder that soldiers, on both sides of a war, are people; men fighting for their lives and to make their way back home. Within these tales lies just a glimpse into a nightmarish world only a brave few heroes have ever witnessed.

The author John S. O’Connor II is a retired Infantry Officer, Airborne-Ranger, and a decorated combat veteran. He spent tours in the 82nd Airborne, 509th Airborne, 8th Division, 4th Division and 51st RCAT in Vietnam. O’Connor has had the good fortune to work with some of the world’s most elite military and law enforcement units, and his career has taken him to six continents, thirty-five countries, and all fifty states.

Listen to episode 2553 and discover more about Stories from War: Vietnam, a new book by John S. O’Connor II, released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.