Walking Point in the Bloody Vietnam War | Marine Veteran Interview

Dale Pappas joined the Marine Corps in 1965 and deployed to Vietnam as an automatic rifleman with Hotel 2/5. Pappas was part of the battalions initial landing in Southeast Asia, swarming ashore near Chu Lai in early 1966. During his year long tour, he participated in 13 major engagements, including Operation Tuscaloosa, widely considered to be the battalion’s high-water mark in Vietnam, before returning to the United States in 1967.

Chapters:
0:00 - Landing in Vietnam
1:02 - First Battle
3:07 - Patrols & Life In-country
5:15 - Combat Operations
10:11 - Learning About Vietnam
14:26 - Operation Tuscaloosa & Beyond
17:57 - A Charmed Life
18:31 - Homecoming
19:54 - Reflections

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? Do you have rare footage or audio from the war? Would you like to submit an interview for the channel? Send us an email at the address below.

[azhomeboy]

As a millennial I grew up in the 80's, 90's and was fascinated with the conflict in Vietnam. Now at 42 years old I am still intrigued by stories of the men who served in that war. Mr. Pappas you have my utmost respect and admiration. Welcome home!

[kimwarfield]

This is what a hero looks like. Every skinny young man in the Marines and the Army, Navy, Airforce. He did his job and protected his mates as best he could. I've known several decorated men. They don't look any different than any other guys, till you talk to them and they tell you what happened. Horrible things happened and they just did what they were trained to do.

[illuminem]

This is a true warrior recounting his memories. Just matter of fact. No embellishment, no drama, no self aggrandizing. Very lucid and incredibly detailed recollections. We can tell that the war never left him. Here's a fine Marine who's never stopped being a Marine. I'm sorry that the country didn't welcome you guys home the way that we should have. We just didn't know, or maybe we were misinformed, at the time. We know now. Thank you, sir!

[James-kixi]

I cared then and I care now. I salute you SIR.

[StoryBeam-YT]

This Marine veteran’s story about his time in Vietnam is raw and powerful, from intense combat to dealing with PTSD. A humbling reminder of the sacrifices our service members make. 🙏 Veteran stories always touch the heart.

[davidkiser]

WOW 😮 I served in Hotel-co 2/5 in 1968/69 as an 0311 Grunt Rifleman, two Purple Hearts 💜💜, later Hq-co Scout/Sniper Plt. This man sounds like he was with the 5th Marines around 1966/67 period. Our base camp at the time when I was in Vietnam was at An Hoa. GOD BLESS all my fellow Vets.

[andrewmarshall]

My Father survived Korea, WW2 and and 4 vacations in Vietnam always had a stogie in his mouth.
Hats off to anyone who protected USA !
I asked him if I could join and his response was if you do I will no longer speak with you,
You stay here and take care of your mother and family, kinda hard to argue with CMSGT
God bless you

I love the story of how he told the battalion commander to get off his radio net.
😊
Host is outstanding; let the guest tell his experiences without interrupt.
👍

[galedavis]

69-70 North of Da Nang 26th. MARINES, glad you are home and as good as possible BROTHER. You have a wonderful woman. Much respect SIR. USMC

[AesopsRetreat]

After a month in the field, I took over point permanently. No-one else wanted it, they always bickered "why me?" Besides, I never trusted the others walking point because they always chattered or were too damned noisy cutting through the bush. And as pointman I never had to pull an hour perimeter duty at night. It was part of the deal.
B co, 5th Bn, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cav Div, Airmobile - Garry Owen !

[kerimartens]

Hello my friend. I am Canadian - woman - born 1949. We cared very much about you guys from the beginning. We were never conscripted but followed the war on tv every day and prayed for you guys blessings to you all today!

[lindajones]

Welcome Home. Thank you for your service doesn't say enough. Semper Fi Ooorah. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[hopharbison]

Pappas, I was with when we when we got hit upon my return to Vietnam. Myself CpI Lawton and Crowder were newly promoted the night he was killed . i also (then) Lt Doherty first Radio Man .
Very glad to know you made it back. I made Hastings with H-2-1 after I was transferred.

Blessings,
Ed Harbison

[yowwrkp]

As the son and grandson of Vets I want to thank you sir for your service. My family and I love you 🦅🇺🇸❤️

[thomasoreckinto]

I was in the marines from 77-83 . The most impressive men i ever met were the Vietnam vets still in. They were in the "shit" and always conveyed a sense of calm and confidence like nothing else couldn't be handled. They were a fountain of information and always acted like it was "no sweat". I think of them often and pray for them always

[stokestomlin]

I remember operations, Hastings… I was at Dong Ha and witnessed the B-52 strike 10 miles away. It was the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen to that day. This is in the middle of 1966… I don’t recall the actual month… My unit was stationed next to the medevac unit for the next week, it was nothing but dust off S bringing the wounded into the hospital. Thank you for your story.

[SK-xvhn]

Dale, I'm ending the worst year of my life listening to your experience. I'm having health issues that's starting to affect my memory of my time spent. I saw some of the sights of what you saw. I guess, I'm ready to tell my story. I also have many scrapbooks of pictures. I was joked with a lot about my taking pics in between rounds. I guess listening to you tells me it's my time. My wife of 50+ years always let me talk at my own pace but mainly with other vets. I served 2 tours and they were not the same experiences. I'm listening to all the fireworks and shooting you hear nearing midnight and the new year and I'm very grateful this year is ending. Since we live in the country, the noise will continue for hours. One sounds exactly like the mortar launch and whoosh (no clunk) I heard long ago. I was positive I wouldn't make it through this year. Any way thanks a million for your short version of overseas. There was some good there but not too much at the time!
K/75 RGR E/58 LRP 4th ID LRRP

[USAwelsh]

My Dad was 1st Cav. You guys are all heroes in my book. I wish I could have been there to give the troops a great welcome home, because it's a shame how they were treated

[dfdemt]

Thank you for your service Dale. Welcome home, Marine.

[danielgoulding]

Thank you so much Dale for sharing your valuable memories . I still remember the 1st time I was told " thank you for your service .