My name is James Mayton, and I am a Vietnam Veteran.

I am the Soldier in the middle of the group picture. The other photos are of myself working on my helicopter. I can’t remember if they were taken in late 1968 or early 1969. I was a side gunner and Crew Chief with 1st Ava, 117th Guns, Sidewinders 68-69 67N20 Crew Chief No 1st C.

My tour lasted 13 months in Long Bein, Vietnam. I was asked what it was like flying through the skies the way we did. I can only answer, sometimes it was wonderful and sometimes it was Hell. The one memory and event that has always stayed with me was when one of the pilot’s head exploded on my chest. I suppose you could say that in order to cope with the horrors of war, I focused on following orders.
After returning from service, I worked at John’s Manville, a roofing plant making shingles in Georgia. I drank and did drugs before finally reaching out for help 1989 and was diagnosed 100% disabled with PTSD.

I don’t recall where I was or what I was doing when the US pulled out of Vietnam. I was just glad to be home. I Know what It’s like. Bless All My Brothers who have been to war.

God Bless You All.
~ James Mayton, Vietnam Veteran

STORY LINK: https://medium.com/…/coping-with-the-horrors-of-war-386f314…
We thank James for sharing his story and invite you to share your thoughts and reflections with us too on Comes A Soldier’s Whisper, where we are all connected.

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