How This Tunnel Rat Survived The Vietnam War | Veteran Interview

Steve Strand served a total of 14 months in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, primarily as an M60 machine gunner. Due to his small stature, Strand was selected to explore and eliminate NVA tunnels. He was wounded twice in combat - once during the ferocious battle at Tam Ky - and returned to the United States in 1969 sporting a Bronze Star with “V” device and two Purple Hearts.

The story of his full tour can be viewed here:

Chapters:
0:00 - Into the Tunnels
1:20 - Booby Traps
2:54 - A Traumatic Experience
4:16 - Brotherhood & Tragedy

Welcome to the largest YouTube channel exclusively dedicated to the Vietnam War. We strive to build a better future by learning from the past. All participants – and their military citations – have been vetted. For the sake of privacy, we do not share veteran contact information.

Do you know a Vietnam veteran, survivor or witness that should be interviewed? Send us an email at the address below.

[kevinfatemi]

My friend in Delta Pa had an older brother who died in a tunnel in Nam in 67. He wrote to his mom saying he was scared to go in there but he was the smallest so he had to. His name will remain on the Wall in DC and on a wall in North Harford HS long after we are gone. May his sacrifice and that of so many others never be forgotten. RIP Spec 4 Edward James Wise, 3rd Platoon, Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, USARV, UNITED STATES ARMY (his mom called him Eddie)

[Patrick-sbsb]

Welcome home. I did 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. War is a terrible thing, but very necessary at times. I appreciate all of our young people who are serving in the military today. I go to sleep at night feeling secure because I know we have excellent soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and coast guard personnel watching our backs on land, on the seas, under the seas, and in the air. These troops are on guard day and night. We should never take them for granted, but appreciate the sacrifice they and their families are making.

[DarrenSlee]

I have nothing but respect and empathy for these soldiers.

[milessmith]

this man was so can here it in his voice

[theswede]

I can only imagine the PTSD these guys must have had when turning the lights off at night.

[onebridge]

The scariest job by far in Vietnam. Takes balls of steel.

[llqever]

God bless all the Vietnam vets and all vets around the world. One of the greatest generation of young men to ever exist. To all the vets out there sincerely from the bottom to the top of my heart thank you for your service. And to the Vietnam vets thank you for your service and last but not least… Welcome home men
🫡🇺🇸💚

[thomasgumersell]

Truly brave and gusty men the Tunnel Rats. Going in solo into these cramped dark tunnels. Armed with a sidearm and a flashlight only. Truly took nerves of steel. No wonder many of these Tunnel Rats suffered later on in life with PTSD. 💪🏻🙏🏻✨

[chethanks]

Good Bless this hero. Thank you for your service sir.

[anandmathura]

I have always wish for the Vietnam Veterans to live forever, America greatest hemos ever live, blessings to all of them for all times.

[joelcanfield]

I'm left speechless, and full of respect for this good man .

[happymonk]

Thank you for your service in our military. Your lucky to be alive 🎗🎖🇺🇸

[andreasjacovides]

Definition of a man is you Steve, I pray your mind is peaceful god bless.

[JohnPlatford]

God bless and comfort this man. 🙏🙏. He deserves so much care and respect for his actions and sacrifice. Truly.. thank you sir for your service. And I hope you have a wonderful life.

[AThreatDemocracy]

I wouldn't want to go into the tunnels. I salute you, Sir.

[alexwhitehead]

Thanks brother for your service, welcome home.

[willt]

Brave to go in those tunnels and brave to recount the tale. Thank you sir.

[stephensmith]

I had the pleasure to work with a veteran that was a Tunnel Rat in Vietnam his Name was Junior from Ft Wayne Indiana also was a union Carpenter. One of the best person I ever met.

[ToasterButtles]

I can’t believe what these poor hero’s came home to. They deserved love and respect even if our government had no good reason to go into Vietnam. These soldiers often didn’t choose to go and were drafted, and the ones who chose to go were lied to. God bless these veterans.

[lamont]

My uncle was a tunnel rat during one of his tours in Vietnam. He never talked about it a single time and if asked he’d only say he did go to Vietnam.