Although veterans of all wars deserve our respect and gratitude for their service to our country, this site is dedicated primarily to the men and women who, amid much civil strife and and discontent concerning our country's role in the Vietnam War, quietly went--unsung heroes--and did their duty as they had pledged, with honor and dignity.

A staggering number did not survive to return to their families and friends, and the memories of fallen comrades dwell within the hearts of those who did. Some who did come home brought with them scars, both physical and emotional. They faced a welcome that was most often less than they deserved--It was NOT our finest hour. But these men and women continue today to do their duty with the same honor and dignity in peacetime as they showed in battle.

During the years encompassed by the war in Vietnam, I graduated from high school, earned a degree, started my first career, married, had a child, and began to raise him. He was seven years old when the war ended. I lost friends -- dead in Southeast Asia. I mourned them then, as I do now. But I didn't fight in the jungles and rice paddies, and so I asked my cherished friend, journalist and author Howard Landon "Dutch" McAllister, who served with great distinction in that war and was grievously wounded there, to write a few words about the Vietnam experience from the viewpoint of someone who knows--really KNOWS--what it was like. He responded so generously with his thoughts, some photographs to share with you, and with a tale of one of "his boys" who fought and died there, Doc Bates. I hope you will take the time to read that account. Doc Bates, a young medical corpsman, is representative of the bravery and selflessness exhibited by the many who went to war and the many who lost their lives in the service of our country.

"When Americans talk about Vietnam today, they like to use a two-dollar, clinical word--closure. But when I think about Vietnam and my time there, I know there is no such thing for me. My closure will come only when these eyes of mine close for the last time. When my dearest friend, Rosie, asked me for a few words about my experience, it all came down to--my boys. There were Jim and Pee Wee and Daniel and Rick and Doc and many more. I spent parts of the four years from 1967-1970 in Vietnam, and I came home--shot at and hit too many times, but home, and most of my boys did the same. I sent Rosie a few of my old, faded pictures, and I guess she will share some of them with you. I hope so, because it means a lot to me."--Dutch McAllister, December 1997

"Artificial Tree, but the Man Was Real"--the story of DOC BATES as told by Dutch McAllister

The Wall on the Web--a complete listing of all the names inscribed upon the Vietnam War Memorial

Operation Just Cause--a proactive force dedicated to the cause of the MIA and POW

The Virtual Wall--an interactive replica of the Wall where messages can be left

The Navy Online--the official web site of the United States Navy

U.S. Army Homepage--the official U.S. Army web site

Air Force Link--the official site of the U.S. Air Force

MarineLINK--the USMC's home on the web

United States Coast Guard Home Page--facts, images, history, and more

Military Women--unofficial page for women in the Armed Services

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