As our nation observes the 50th anniversary of the introduction of U.S. combat troops in Vietnam, it seems appropriate that my neighbors across Colorado try to understand what happened in that conflict that was so divisive to our nation. We lost because of failures at the highest level in foreign policy, diplomacy, civilian and military leadership — even though the troops on the ground and in the air displayed commendable dedication and courage.
With more than 58,000 Americans killed in Vietnam, some three times that number physically wounded and countless others psychologically scarred, it was indeed a devastating conflict.
In June 1965, I was a Saigon-based Navy lieutenant in charge of all Seabee (Construction Battalion) teams in Vietnam and Thailand, when the nine members of Seabee Team 1104 and 11 of their fellow compatriots in a Special Forces detachment experienced a horrific nighttime attack.
Deployed next to the village of Dong Xoai, about 55 miles northwest of Saigon, the Americans were in a camp with a contingent of Montagnard tribesmen and 142 of their family members. These native mountain tribes hated the Viet Cong (a communist front aided by the North) for their vicious cruelty and were loyal to Americans. In the adjacent compound were 200-plus men of a South Vietnamese Army unit.
Just before midnight on June 9, 1965, mortars began pouring down on the camp through the darkness, heavy fog and rain. Two hours later, the blare of a bugle signaled the charge of a screaming horde of well-trained Viet Cong bursting from the jungle. As they approached the compound, those first to reach the concertina wire threw themselves on it, face down, so those who followed could step on their backs and continue the charge. This heavily armed force with rifles, grenades, machine guns and flame throwers was later estimated to be in excess of 2,000.
During the unimaginable terror that lasted long into the next day, 20 Americans defended their camp and comrades with brave actions that were the very definition of valor and would later be recognized. That team is still the highest decorated team in Seabee history, with nine Purple Hearts, two Silver Stars, six Bronze Stars, and one Medal of Honor. The Special Forces members were also recognized highly with several awards, including one Medal of Honor.
On June 10, 1965, I pinned Purple Hearts on the hospital gowns of the surviving Seabees and received brief accounts of the battle from both Seabee and Special Forces survivors. Shortly after, I would write letters to the families of those who had perished, perhaps the most difficult task of any military officer. The Special Forces leadership did likewise.
Dong Xoai is just one of example of brave Americans who served in the Vietnam conflict. Most would have rather spent those months elsewhere, but their commander in chief ordered them to go, and they fought hard for their units and their country.
Now, 50 years after the beginning of that tragic conflict, I encourage you to reach out and thank these deserving men and women.
Vince Kontny lives on a cattle ranch in Southwest Colorado.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit or check out our for how to submit by e-mail or mail.
