My first tour in Vietnam was with the 23rd INF Div in Chu Lai and then later with the 101st Airborne, 1/327 in Phu Bai.

I went over in August 1970 and came home in March 1972. We had just pulled an ambush the night before. I remember it rained so hard and it was so dark. I was glad to see it get daylight. This was around My Lai too, close to where Lt. Calley had his trouble with a civilian getting killed. There were so many mines and so many snipers. I understand why he lost it. I feel sad for him. He was found guilty but later released. It was a bad place to be…
We worked a place called the Athletic Field. Playboy Magazine called it the hardest part to stay alive. It was called the Athletic Field because it had so many minefields and booby traps.

We had a company Commander who was not very at his job and cost us lives. One day were getting sniper fire. We told him not to chase a sniper in any circumstances… He did not listen to us. He pursued the sniper and it cost him his life and two good men. I didn’t shed a tear for him.

There is not enough time to write about how the war experience changed me. I tried to drink myself to death. I could not handle supervision in any job, and that is why I have driven trucks for 40 years, so I could get away from people. I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress. But I was lucky I came home alive.

The picture with the guy squatting in the front row shows me in the back row, second to the left. I took the other group picture. I stayed in touch with some of them up until twenty years ago. I don’t know where they are now.
~ Darrel Kibbee, Vietnam Veteran

We are very thankful to Darrel for sharing his story with Comes A Soldier’s Whisper veteran tribute page and invite you to share your service photos and a memory of your wartime experience.

God Bless all who serve and keep us safe.

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