I served proudly with the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam 67 to 68, Fire Base Normandy 1 and 2.

I loved The Donut Dollies but was really busy when they flew the girls out. I still love each and every one of them and my heart goes out to each Donut Dollie. They really didn’t know how much danger they were in out there. We love you girls.

In 1986 my house burned to the ground. I have one photo that was taken. I got out three days before TET. I had a few close calls in Nam. I have a lot of guilt that I still carry with me to this day. On or about May 16, 1967, my friend died in my arms. He had two days left to go home on an emergency Red Cross leave. He was going to take care of his marriage after receiving a “Dear John” letter. He got killed on his birthday. It was so sad. I never saw any one die before. That’s when I turned into a monster. It changed my life forever.

1 didn’t actually smoke the cigar in this picture. It was used to burn off leeches. We had just gotten back in the wire from a big sweep.

There was no mission too difficult, no sacrifice to great.
~ Alan Coudriet, Vietnam Vet

STORY LINK: medium.com/@SoldiersWhisper/that-s-when-i-turned-into-a-monster-ea2e220668a2#.p1p8trqhw

Special thanks goes to Alan for sharing his story with us. We welcome you to share your family photos of those who served both past and present, so we may feature and honor them on our COMES A Soldier’s Whisper Veteran tribute page www.facebook.com/ComesASoldiersWhisper/

God Bless all who serve and keep us safe.

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