The MOST HEROIC Moment From Vietnam 😔
A Vietnam War veteran reflects on a heroic moment involving his soldier Henry Stanton, who despite severe injuries and bleeding, requested a rifle to continue fighting. The speaker emphasizes that Stanton's courage and determination to keep fighting exemplifies true patriotism and the character of a Marine.
Summary
The transcript captures a poignant reflection from a Vietnam War veteran discussing the aftermath of a helicopter explosion. The veteran has received Purple Hearts and mentions being considered for the Medal of Honor, but notes that such honors cannot bring back the men who were lost. When asked how many of his fellow helicopter crew members are still alive, he recalls Henry Stanton, his M-79 gunner. During the explosion, the veteran reached for Stanton's dog tags and found him seriously wounded, bleeding from his mouth and nose. Despite his dire condition, Stanton encouraged the lieutenant to keep hope, saying "don't think we're going to make it this time." The veteran urged him to hold on, but Stanton's response was remarkable: he asked for a rifle, stating "I can still fight." The veteran emphasizes that this moment exemplified the essence of a true patriot and Marine—someone willing to continue fighting despite insurmountable odds and severe injuries.
Key Insights
- The speaker states that despite receiving Purple Hearts and consideration for the Medal of Honor, these honors cannot bring back the men who were lost in combat
- Henry Stanton, the speaker's M-79 gunner, was severely wounded with bleeding from his mouth and nose after an explosion hit the helicopter
- Stanton told his lieutenant 'don't think we're going to make it this time' while actively bleeding and gravely injured
- Despite his severe wounds, Stanton requested a rifle and said 'I can still fight,' demonstrating his commitment to continue fighting
- The speaker characterizes Stanton's willingness to fight despite grave injuries as the definition of what it means to be 'a man,' a patriot, and a Marine
Topics
Transcript
[0:00] They give me purple hearts, and I understand that trying to give me the Medal of Honor won't bring [music] my men back. >> How many [clears throat] of those men that were on that helicopter with you still alive today? >> One man that I know was named was [music] Henry Stanton. He was my M-79 man. Explosion hit me, and it happened so Stanton I reached [music] out to get dog tags off, and he looked up to me, and he said, "Lieutenant, don't think we're going to make it this time." He's bleeding out of his mouth, some out of his nose. "You don't we're going to make it. You hold on, son. You [music] hold…
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