I applaud the local veterans who were highlighted in the story about local Vietnam veterans (“Shock and awfulness,” Herald, May 3.) Each of them served honorably, and their stories were well worth reading. This letter is not intended to criticize or detract any honor from their service; however, the Herald overlooked the significant contributions of the United States Marines who served in Vietnam in many respects. By only portraying Army and Coast Guard officers, the story also overlooked the contributions of the enlisted Marines. As an enlisted Vietnam veteran, I want to correct the record and give tribute to my fellow Marines who served in Vietnam as well as my fallen brothers in arms.
While there is no doubt the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force made significant contributions to the war effort, enlisted Marines bore a disproportionate share of casualties. Of the total of 58,303 Americans who died in the war, 14,844 were Marines, even though the Marines made up less than 15 percent of U.S. troops. Marines also had a higher ratio of wounded in Vietnam with 51,392 wounded compared to the Army wounded of 96,802.
Contrary to the depiction of the five officers by the Herald, the average age of those killed in action was 20 years old. Enlisted personnel also made up the great majority of those who died at 48,717; while 6,804 officers died and 1,277 warrant officers were killed. A recent study noted than even today, a combat Marine has a four times greater chance of dying or being wounded in combat than any other branch of our military.
Joining the Marine Corps was, and is, an act of bravery, and this applies to those who went to Iraq and Afghanistan as well.
The history of the United States Marine Corps is replete with sacrifices, and it is important that our fallen brothers not be overlooked. I salute those identified by the Herald and ask that we also remember my fallen and disabled brothers – the United States Marines who served honorably in Vietnam.
Mike McLachlan
Durango
