BEDFORD – March 29th marks the fifth year of the National Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day Act passed by Congress in 2017 to recognize those who served in that ill-fated war.
The Vietnam War has a long history as it was one of the longest wars involving America. Starting in 1955, the war continued until 1975, making it the second-longest war, aside from the ongoing Afghanistan War. Over 2.7 million Americans served during this war in 1973. Although all of the troops left Vietnam following the end of the war, it continues to have a major impact on the families and people affected by the war itself.
Lawrence County is no stranger to military connections, with NSWC Crane close by, and with many veterans living throughout the community. Two of these veterans took the time to discuss their thoughts and memories about their experiences during their time in Vietnam.
Barry Magers and Bill Gratzer both grew up in Lawrence County, both served in the Vietnam War. And although there were many similar reactions and interactions to their experiences, the two men seemed to have different experiences during their service time.
“When we were coming home on the plane, we were told to switch into our civilian clothes, because those returning in uniform were getting spit on by the crowds of protestors,” said Magers. “I had friends back home, who wanted nothing to do with me once I returned. They thought it was more honorable to skip away to Canada or serve time in jail, rather than go to war. I was by myself, we were never good enough.”
According to Encyclopedia.com, “Many of the young men who fought in Vietnam had a great deal of difficulty readjusting to life in the United States. Some struggled to overcome physical injuries, emotional problems, or drug addictions from their time in Vietnam. Others had trouble feeling accepted by their friends and families. Some returning soldiers blamed their situation on the antiwar movement and developed a deep resentment toward antiwar protesters. But many other veterans began to question the war and their own actions in it.” An experience that was not shared with Gratzer.
“I had all of my ribbons and braids and was wearing what we called our khaki uniforms, to put it blunt I was decked out. I flew into Fort Lewis in Seattle to process back into the states before flying home to Indianapolis,” Gratzer said. “No one said a word to me, except my grandmother who was about 5 foot 2 and yelled my name before rushing down the hallway and embracing me. I know a lot of people had the poor experience of being spit on and cussed at, but I was lucky.”
Although Gratzer’s return experience was more positive, there is a heavy burden still weighing on his mind to this day.
“Any veteran who has seen combat, who has been face-to-face with someone else trying to kill them, you deal with things. Sometimes I’ll just be sitting and all of a sudden I am back in the jungle, sudden noises cause me to react,” said Gratzer. “I still shed tears, seeing someone right beside you get hit, it sticks with you. I didn’t initially file for PTSD, which I was told was the wrong decision. I have some PTSD, and I didn’t file for it because I thought it was a sign of weakness.”
Many of these veterans were treated poorly upon their return home, and still, feel the effects of that today. They put their lives on the line to fight for their country and returned with crowds of people violently protesting these brave men and women. And because of this, some of the necessary treatment to help them was not available.
“I was proud to serve, I enlisted a few times because I was rejected the first time due to a heart murmur, but I finally went to Vietnam, and I was for the lack of a better term blacklisted by most of the people I knew. I dealt with a lot coming back to the United States,” Magers said. “When I went to the VA, I was denied treatment for PTSD, as at that time they didn’t view me as a veteran. So I just worked through it.”
Veterans are an integral part of what has helped maintain this country throughout it’s young history, and to this day, some of the Veterans of Vietnam have carried an unnecessary burden for over 40 years. March 29 marks a day of celebration and thanks to these men and women who so bravely went to battle for their country, when they weren’t celebrated many years ago.
The 29th is a day to make things right and thank these brave individuals for their service and can be extended throughout the year to let them know their efforts will never be forgotten.
If you know a veteran who is in need of assistance for their years of duty, they can contact the VA Department of Mental Health Services.
