My good friend Ernie L. Flynn passed away 30 October 2022 in his home in Billings, MT. He was lying in his bed with his family around him. Ernie suddenly said, "I have to get up." He then died. You would have to search a long time to find a finer friend, a braver man, and a more decent human being than Ernie. May he rest in peace with the thanks of a grateful nation.
As a former Marine Nam Vet I've watched several of these interviews. This is one of the best yet. And so is the interviewer he let's the Veteran tell his story with out a bunch of frivolous questions about his ancestry like one other interviewer I've seen and doesn't interrupt all the time. Good job guys!
My father-in-law told me a funny story one time! He was a Tennessee Farm Boy growing up. When he was 18 years old he had never gotten any mail before, until one day he was working out in the field and his sister hollered Paul come to the house you got some mail, he was all excited! He said he ran all the way to the house just to realize it was his draft notice. He said after that he didn't want no more goddamn mail lol... He was a door gunner in Vietnam, RIP 🙏 Paul Morgan.
one of my pals was a door gunner and got killed on his last mission before he returned to the States. RIP Danny Dye. I got drafted but was stateside thank God.
Lol that is so bad its funny. My grandfather in law also made so many jokes about his ww2 service! He was also from Tennessee and very missed among us as well. He actually died recently...the last of ww2 vets lived so long.
I’ve been binge watching these Vietnam interviews for months now , never gets old , my father that’s turning 75 this June was in Vietnam and never talks about it so , I could ask these vets 100,000 questions and it wouldn’t be enough , thanks for sharing your story!
My stepfather was like that until I started recounting some of the stories I heard on this channel. It made him feel like I knew enough to hear his story I guess. It was great to finally here some more details than a comment here and there.
What an awesome dude! My favorite Vietnam Vet of all time. I'm so sorry you lost your sight. I salute you Ernie Flynn,welcome home and thank you for your service.
@Jim Bianco What's to lie about. Everything he says checks out, knows the lingo, the installations, the processing. When you actually see carnage, it's something you don't wanna talk about. You just wanna forget it ever happened, but you don't.
@Jim Bianco "how do you know he's telling the truth?" Because nothing he said came from a movie. He had dates, locations, and details that the stolen valor people will never have.
@@Cruzad What are you talking about? I was being sarcastic to rob because the vet was talking bad about young people. The other comment was sarcasm also so let me put it so you can understand. I don't like the fkn baby killer in the video talking down about young people.
Everytime I see an older Vietnam vet out I always go out of my way to tell them I have a lot of respect for you guys .. could you imagine being 18 yrs old , senior in highschool one day your hanging with your buds , graduating , chasing tail and the next day you make a decision either go to jail or possibly die across the world to fight a war you know nothing about nor probably give a rats behind .
What would the interview inspire you to do? The interview doesn't make people aware, unless part of it was censored. th-cam.com/video/QlunSNY5B48/w-d-xo.html
@@realChewky visit the video link above, that is truly amazing. People threw their lives away, heroically, thinking they were fighting for a worthwhile cause, they were not.
Thanks Ernie for your duty and service and thanks for helping other Vets negotiate VA. I feel some responsibility to hear all Vietnam vets and to count my stars daily for not having to do my tour of duty like that . I was drafted "US" during the Vietnam war and I too went to Ft Sill for artillery 13A10. I was lucky enough to stay 6 months permanent party in Oklahoma then finished in Germany while 98% of our AIT company went straight to Vietnam. Good job Billings Gazette for recording this awesome story.
His recall is so vivid every detail like it was just yesterday I feel like I’m seeing with my own two eyes. Can’t imagine being in country living it at 18.
Ernie is such a nice/good and caring person everyone needs to take the time and listen to the man. What he has done and been through to helping Veterans with there problems. I hope for the best for Ernie and his family
The tribe? As in the small hat tribe? Gods chosen lunatics? Then yes. We lost hundreds of thousands of men fighting wars for the tribe of the God of this world 6⁶⁶
Went to Vietnam October 71 as an E6 to Binh Thuy AB in the Delta. Living conditions were excellent AC quarters, great chow, never had to eat C rations. Server my year. AM 85 Now, suffering from Agent Orange. Living in Ireland, I was born in Ireland. Served for 30 years in the USAF.
I have a Vietnamese friend from Hanoi. His father was drafted into the NVA as an 18 year old. He speaks little about his ordeal during this war other than it was absolutely terrifying. Different race, same story.
I can’t imagine the life experiences he has been through. It is sad knowing all of the casualties we suffered, couldn’t imagine what it was like being on the NVA side.
@@ebogar42 Hey Eric...your statement was and is false....If Americans didn't go to WWII...we'd all be walking around under a Swastika flag... muttering Hile Hitler... Thanks to good men ...we fly the Stars and Stripes... don't wipe your ass with it...
@@ericunderwood8080 I never said anything about WW2, but that is also false. We only got involved in that because of Pearl Harbor, but Hitler wasn't going to win. We just ended it sooner. I am talking about wars like Vietnam, Iraq, and when we invaded Hawaii and overthrew them. Other countries too in the past that we've invaded and they never did shit to us. Any other time you right wing fucks will be saying leave the middle east and Europe alone, don't give them aid, blah blah blah, but then justify being over there starting shit and getting our civilians killed over our governments agenda that doesn't do shit for any of us. They aren't protecting our rights being there. Nobody has invaded us in centuries and would be stupid if they even tried. It's a suicide mission for anyone who tries because of how we're located and all our toys we have to defend ourselves before they even step foot on our soil.
@@ebogar42 I pretty much agree that we should of stayed out of every war since WW2... Food for thought...when Charlie Wilson helped Afghanistan in the 80s...( I was a furnace operator worked on the Stinger missiles) anyway due to conflict of our two party system after the Russians left we should of stayed and built schools and hospitals because we had won Afghanistan's hearts...but due to conflicts between Republican and Democrats we just up and left... It's my belief we should of stayed and built schools and hospitals... But then again who are we to try to explain anything at all to a country that has been around centuries before us.... complicated issue for sure... just saying...
@@ericunderwood8080 I agree. You can't make people change their way of life and thinking when they've been doing it for centuries. That's like them coming here and trying to change our way of life and pointing out all our flaws we have. We're not going to change. The way we live is brainwashed into all of us pretty much. Even if they had valid points we would never get it, or at least most of us wouldn't. I'm sure there are things they could figure out themselves to improve their government. They have to fight for it themselves like we did. If their motives are good and they need help, then maybe Nato can help, but the US should stay out of that shit. That's what Nato is for. I feel bad for all these soldiers that get caught up in serving their country when all we do today is things that don't really serve our country or have anything to do with us losing our rights or fighting for them. They're dying for nothing to me. It's like they're all pawns to the military. Even give them suicide missions. Have experimented on them before and still might without their knowledge. My cousin made a good career out of it and did a few tours during wars. Lucky for him he never saw combat and was out of harms way for the most part. I'm proud of him because he went in and only had to do what he really wanted, and that was to learn and get school paid for. He retired at 38 as a master sergeant in the Airforce. I was almost going to go, but his brother was overweight and we had planned to go in together. Kind of glad I didn't. I don't really like how the military is ran, but it is beneficial to young people if you don't have a ton of money for college and like the type of work they do in there.
What an epic, honest and brutal account. And it could not have been told by a nicer man. Man ek het respek vir jou Ernie Flynn! I regard you as a true war hero. Leon, Pretoria, South Africa
Thank you for your service! 🙏🏻 My father is a Vietnam Veteran March 29th 1967 - March 28th 1968 Phu Loi Vietnam 1st Aviation Brigade 11th Combat Aviation Battallion 128th Assault Helicopter Company (Tomahawks & Gunslingers) Unfortunately I have suffered with spinal issues that have basically left me disabled due to his exposure to Agent Orange and the government will not recognize the children of Vietnam Veterans unless it is Spina Bifida. It’s a shame that Vietnam Veterans and their families have to suffer without any help.
Love this guy. Great storyteller. And once again fine job interviewing. You are by far the best interviewer. I listen to the veteran documentaries quite often. During my long travels.
Definitely! I'm not great with bugs and that's one of the things I didn't consider moving out to S/E Asia (next door to Vietnam). We've got a couple of spoiled little princess cats, so I am very wary of scorpions. The biggest I've seen are about 5 inches long and maybe 2 or more inches wide. Whilst they won't kill an adult human, they will give a very nasty sting. The other night as the wife slept, Mr. Insomnia (yours truly) was watching something on the internet whilst sprawled on the bed. One of the cats jumped down from her perch and stared intently at the floor. In the dim light I thought I saw a rat skittling across the tiles from under the bed, but when I turned on the light it was the biggest scorpion I'd ever seen. I put on my sandals, and grabbed the cat who had now hopped down onto the floor to get a closer look at the not so little beasty. I stomped on the terrifying monster, which had completely no effect; the thing was still alive and walking about! In all the kerfuffle, my wife woke up: "What you do!?" "Look!" I pointed to the indestructible little black tank. "Just _kill_ it!" "I tried!" at which she gave me the kind of withering look only a wife can summon. "Give me your shoe" she said, so I gave her one of the sandals off my feet. She smacked the scorpion. It didn't die. She smacked it again - it didn't die. Finally she killed it with the back of a sweeping brush, and threw it outside. Shooting me another withering glance, she turned out the light and returned to bed. I now sleep with a hammer under my pillow...
I damn near fell out of my chair laughing when he said that. I can remember when I was a kid, my dad would tell the story about the poisonous snakes over there. The Asp would just lay there and you better not step on one or it was all over. The old 3 step vipers.
What ive learned about social media is the youth, and even most of the people my age, do not have the attention span nor genuine curiosity, to learn from history, consider advice, open their minds and listen to these peoples stories. Especially if theyre not being compensated in someway to listen for more than 5 seconds. Result of a safetybubble, undisciplined, capitalist consumer corrupt & superficial society :(
@@flynnlivescmd, we are being TRAINED to: "be in a bubble, selfish and corrupt" by the example and legislation of Democrats who are now open Communists in collusion with China...while this great servant of our Christian Capitist Country is proud to have served so that he and his family can CONSUME everything he listed as a FREE MAN: Chevy SS 454, life and health insurance and a house on a mountain, etc. Don't be programmed by the covert Communists that this man gave the best of himself to fight. We are being told to feel guilty for these things by the godless among us who also call our values and worldview "Capitalist," when our Declaration of Independence gives all the rights and credit for our values to GOD (NOT capital)...and inalienable. The stiff political contention we see today is the ancient Psalms82 war between the "Sons of God"/B'nai Elohim and our mutual Creator and Heavenly Father...and politics by any name is nothing more or less than these forces of evil fighting all that is good, as defined by our Creator in His instructions/Torah! The influence of Satan through the deception of men has even turned many of the Chosen people away from Torah through Talmudic Communist ideology which rejects the personal responsibility and property rights commanded in Torah...not "Capitalism!" Do you see how The Adversary tries to control the narrative so that God isn't even mentioned, and less than 3% could even tell you what the Hegelian Dialectic is? As in his discourse in which Eve was deceived, Satan and men like Hegel, Nietzsche, etc. asks questions that assume impossibly simplified parameters of reality which are false. Without a deep love for Truth found almost exclusively in Torah, and the revelation it gives regarding The Adversary and his deceptive ways, even very intelligent people can be easily led into rebellion against our Creator and the Truth of His instructions.
Salute soldier. Thank you for your service coming from the son of a passed on Vietnam veteran. We miss you my father, 53'-00'. What a great interview here and one of the best channels.
Amazing, true strength. I lost my 25 year old son a few months back. It is hard not to fall into self pity and it is hard to rebuild. He went through a lot and there is no self pity in his voice , only the sound of hope and resilience Great interview.
These stories make me feel so spoiled since I’ve never had to be in combat. I feel awful for all the young men who served in old men’s wars. Edit: I just want to add how much respect I have for this man. I’m glad he is at least provided for financially after all he experienced. Brave and honest man.
@@dannymullentroll6701 When they invaded Vietnam what had Vietnam done to us to deserve us going in there and murdering them? They did nothing. That's why people were against the war. It was wrong just like going in and murdering Iraqis were wrong when they had nothing to do with 9/11, but keep justifying the shit all you want. There is no blood on my hands so I don't care.
Should of started with George W Bush and Dick Cheney who all avoided situations like this man had to face and would later go on to start not 1, but 2 useless wars like Vietnam.
Thanks Ernie, I hope you're doing really well. Your story and every other veteran's stories are invaluable, as much as the effort, trials and sacrifices you and all other veterans have paid and endured for us and future generations.
As usual, a wonderful person with a great story and attitude - served his country and took care of his family. I love these men. What a great example of an American. God bless you Sir, and welcome home!!!
You're my hero... I'm a Vietnam vet who lost one eye and I almost went nuts. You're totally blind and your demeanor is absolutely inspirational. Your wife, family and friends should be very proud of you.
✌️🇺🇸 Thank you Sir for your Service. Glad you made it back home. God Bless all our Brave Vietnam Veteran's.... 💞Love and Peace to each and everyone of you...Forever.✌️ Never To Be Forgotten💞
Thank you for Your Service! Saying this gets me choked up, because of you I get to hear the best thing in the world everyday. My child's laughter! His smile is my every reason to live. I'm forever indebt to anyone who served!
Man this man tells a great detailed account without putting in a bunch of embellishments like a lot of them do. Just a down to earth guy. Thank you for your service and sorry for your loss friend. This really gives a good insight of what he saw.
A great man and a great story teller! Could've listen to Ernie for another 10 hours. Thanks for letting him tell his story with minimum interruptions! He might have caught a tough break, but he never lost his spirit!
As a Vietnam Vet myself, this man’s description of his experience in NAM brought tears to my eyes. This man’s experience with going blind was so heart wrenching, considering he persevered through all the shit he encountered. Thank God for the two Nuns that help turn his life around. I’m so glad that I found this Billings Gazette Site on TH-cam. I’m still trying to watch all the different Soldier’s Stories. I served in the US ARMY, Chu Lai, Vietnam, American Division, 198 Light Infantry Brigade, LZ Bayonet, 1968 & 1969. Some of my Army buddies and I make fun of which was our worst duty station, Vietnam or Fort Polk, Louisiana. All of you that took Advance Infantry Training at Fort Polk might understand.
I've watched more than a dozen of these video. Much appreciation to the Billings Gazette for producing them, and making them available. And thank you Mr. Ehrlick for the valuable work you've done, and the way you did it. It's greatly appreciated.
AMEN to all of the many that got interviewed and a Big Shoutout to the Billing’s Gazette!!!!! I can’t stop watching this great interview endeavor!!!!!!!
That was hilarious when he said the people were little but all the bugs were big. He had a good sense of humor after all He's been through. I thank him for his willingness to go into war for our country. He's an honorable man.
I've seen this interviews twice, the first time, a few years ago. This is the best interview I've seen. It could be, that he is blind, and his mind can see what happened. Also, I am disabled, but from a car accident, tho it's not as bad as blindness. It's not always easy, but life goes on, and we have to adapt. I remember growing up, and watching the news on Vietnam, in the 60s. I really wanted to join up, and go fight there. But over the years, I wanted to less and less. Finally, I got my draft card, but the war was winding down, and I was so glad. People today in America, really don't know how good they have it.
Thanks you Ernie -- salute .. ... we never know what would have happened -- f the past would have been different .. .. I have no doubt -- you have served in purposes we will never realize ... ... even as I think it now.. Thank you ........ I am grateful ..
@@ebogar42 when you are older you will realize that life..war.. everything really isn't black and white.. hopefully in the future we can create a world with no war.. just Peace.. and maybe no bickering on Social Media too ?
@@tonyhussey3610 When I'm older? I'm 41, and I know that. That's why I don't agree with everyone elses views that it's just us "the good guys" against "the bad guys" We were the bad guys more than they were if you don't look at it as black and white. There is way more to it than that and always is. We aren't always the good guys or doing noble things around the world. We've all been brainwashed to think so though. Just like everyone thinks most cops are good when 95% of cops won't even make it if they were good and turning in other cops for doing bad or illegal shit. I've had my cops violated by one cop and several others stand around doing nothing, or a few cops slamming me once and then huddling up to figure out what to say as a defense. In court they said I tried to kick them. BULLSHIT. They aren't good. They don't protect the constitution either. They trample all over it and hate we have rights.
Born in the same place, 10 years apart, we lived in two different worlds. Wow. This brings new meaning to 'can't complain.' But more than that, Ernie, you are an inspiration, you are positive. I hope I can do my duty better. You know, in the big scheme of things, I think you actually did make it. Not without a scratch but because of the scratch and your big win over it.
What an incredible man! Courageous and resilient as they come. Thanks for your incredible memories AND incredible service, Ernie. Best of luck to you and yours, always.
One of the best Vietnam warriors' oral memoirs. This was really interesting and I have heard many and read close to 100 or more non-fiction books on the Vietnam War. No b.s. here. No hyperbole or inflated heroics here; this is the unvarnished, straight dope from a soldier with a clear mind and great memory telling it like it is.
My uncle fought in that war and received a purple heart. He told me war is something nobody is prepared for. So much death and people injuries mentally and physically that will haunt them forever. May all those who fought know how much they are honored for their sacrifice. I salute you men and women and thank you ❤
Another Hero, Great story, Glad it worked out with the VA and the eyes finally. I have to say the Billings Gazette is doing (or did) a great thing collecting this history right from the mouths of those who went 'up country'' Thank you
Ernie flan welcome home sir if i I could give you one of my eyes I would ride the fastest rocket Sorry sir is hard to talk with so many tears in my eyes thank you preserving my freedom I made my whole family watch this interview.
People who skip college miss the experience that opens your mind and helps you find a path you love and become the person you hoped to be. I was terrified of the Vietnam war. I graduated in 71 and just missed it.
He must be a great dad, good hearted, honest and still has gratitude for the good things in life, like family, as opposed to being embittered by his disability caused by the war. I salute men like him.
Ernie, you’re an amazing man, your story was amazing and heart breaking at the same time. I wish you and your family all the best. Thank you for everything you’ve done for our country.
My dad nvr talked about his time there as a marine. He's passed now and I'll nvr know. But stories like there bring me alittle closer. We are from Great Falls too and that's pretty cool. I was Army CBRN myself.
Kendo75 ...I seen your comment and I had to respond. That is awesome of you and much respect. My Son seen me do that so many times he does it now. He's young but he knows what they went through. 1/20 people will shake a vets hand and say thank you. It's sad...
kursed parasite another guy say in these interviews said don’t thank him because he didn’t have a choice. I think he said he preferred “welcome home, which is also why I think a lot of the comments are welcome home”
My Channel My Choice - Another faultless way to speak to a veteran of ANY military branch is: I appreciate your service for our country. If they served in Vietnam, add the "welcome home" part.
It seems some guys get a bit embarrassed. Don't be cliche and obnoxious about it, though I obviously can't speak for them that seems pretty reasonable.
Not my biological grandpa he went to boot camp, played up an old football injury and got out, but now he gets veterans discounts and claims he went to Vietnam, the mans delusional. He even goes to a ptsd group.
My good friend Ernie L. Flynn passed away 30 October 2022 in his home in Billings, MT. He was lying in his bed with his family around him. Ernie suddenly said, "I have to get up." He then died. You would have to search a long time to find a finer friend, a braver man, and a more decent human being than Ernie. May he rest in peace with the thanks of a grateful nation.
Thank you for letting us know...may he rest in eternal peace...please offer a blessing to his family on my behalf...
💞✌️🙏
Thanks for coming back to tell everyone. Ernie really seemed like a good guy
That’s heartbreaking God bless his soul ❤️❤️❤️
That man was a great American.
Q
I AM PROUD OF YOU TO MY 20YEAR OLD COUSIN BILLY DIED IN VIETNAM SEPTEMBER 1968 I THINK OF HIM EVER DAY AND MISS HIM .RIP BILLY LOVE YOU..
THANK YOU I GOT WRONG YEAR IT WAS SEPTEMBER 8 1967 RIP BILLY LOVE YOU
RIP Billy
God bless his soul .
@@jordankelly2863 j
M CB
@@jordankelly2863 j
M CB
As a former Marine Nam Vet I've watched several of these interviews. This is one of the best yet. And so is the interviewer he let's the Veteran tell his story with out a bunch of frivolous questions about his ancestry like one other interviewer I've seen and doesn't interrupt all the time. Good job guys!
Thank You For Your Service...
💞✌️🙏
Check out Al White if you like this one
My father-in-law told me a funny story one time! He was a Tennessee Farm Boy growing up. When he was 18 years old he had never gotten any mail before, until one day he was working out in the field and his sister hollered Paul come to the house you got some mail, he was all excited! He said he ran all the way to the house just to realize it was his draft notice. He said after that he didn't want no more goddamn mail lol... He was a door gunner in Vietnam, RIP 🙏 Paul Morgan.
Sympathy 2 U.
Rest in peace
one of my pals was a door gunner and got killed on his last mission before he returned to the States. RIP Danny Dye. I got drafted but was stateside thank God.
@@TheVatonaught god damn 😫 so close to coming home too
Lol that is so bad its funny. My grandfather in law also made so many jokes about his ww2 service! He was also from Tennessee and very missed among us as well. He actually died recently...the last of ww2 vets lived so long.
I’ve been binge watching these Vietnam interviews for months now , never gets old , my father that’s turning 75 this June was in Vietnam and never talks about it so , I could ask these vets 100,000 questions and it wouldn’t be enough , thanks for sharing your story!
Yep. Me too.
My stepfather was like that until I started recounting some of the stories I heard on this channel. It made him feel like I knew enough to hear his story I guess. It was great to finally here some more details than a comment here and there.
Tell him Jeremy reed says thank you for his service
Tell every vietnam vet heartfelt thanks and we apologize for corrupt, if not, greatly misguided leaders
@@bboygmoney Either they won't talk or we are too young and stupid to listen, thus dooming us to repeat history.
What an awesome dude! My favorite Vietnam Vet of all time. I'm so sorry you lost your sight. I salute you Ernie Flynn,welcome home and thank you for your service.
i lost my hearing & my mind
I never served draft ended and I went to the oil field thank GOD all the time i didn't have to go ..thank all You vets for my freedom
Me too
@@lemuelyoungblood5756 I’m curious how America invading a nation 9000 miles from America and losing the war made you free?
@@jacobjorgenson9285 so you were one of those at the airport to “greet” our service members coming home?
Bless your heart
This guys memory is insane and he's a great story teller with things that must be unbelievably difficult to talk about, very impressive
For sure. I had no idea he was blind and wouldnt have had he not said it........
@Darren Obrien There were more civilians killed by the enemy than by the U.S.!
@@jarredhischemellor6489 you l -4444444444444434/4/434/434💗😂
@Jim Bianco What's to lie about. Everything he says checks out, knows the lingo, the installations, the processing. When you actually see carnage, it's something you don't wanna talk about. You just wanna forget it ever happened, but you don't.
@Jim Bianco "how do you know he's telling the truth?"
Because nothing he said came from a movie. He had dates, locations, and details that the stolen valor people will never have.
After all the went through, I don't think he said a bad word about a single person. He is the "great guy".
Except young people now a days.
@@davidjohnson-fo7ze bruh what have you got against young people? That's all you comment about its a little weird.
@@Cruzad What are you talking about? I was being sarcastic to rob because the vet was talking bad about young people. The other comment was sarcasm also so let me put it so you can understand. I don't like the fkn baby killer in the video talking down about young people.
what
@@davidjohnson-fo7ze got kill a couple babies to make an omelet ...wait is that how that saying goes
Everytime I see an older Vietnam vet out I always go out of my way to tell them I have a lot of respect for you guys .. could you imagine being 18 yrs old , senior in highschool one day your hanging with your buds , graduating , chasing tail and the next day you make a decision either go to jail or possibly die across the world to fight a war you know nothing about nor probably give a rats behind .
Really enjoyed your interview, Flynn. Thank you for your service in Nam and thank your VA work. You have a good spirt. Om!
This is one of greatest interviews I've seen and what an inspiration.
I love this guy.
What would the interview inspire you to do? The interview doesn't make people aware, unless part of it was censored. th-cam.com/video/QlunSNY5B48/w-d-xo.html
No kidding, amazing man.
@@realChewky visit the video link above, that is truly amazing. People threw their lives away, heroically, thinking they were fighting for a worthwhile cause, they were not.
@@ethand3577 visit the video link in my comment above, that is truly amazing. Send it to everyone you know.
Thanks Ernie for your duty and service and thanks for helping other Vets negotiate VA. I feel some responsibility to hear all Vietnam vets and to count my stars daily for not having to do my tour of duty like that . I was drafted "US" during the Vietnam war and I too went to Ft Sill for artillery 13A10. I was lucky enough to stay 6 months permanent party in Oklahoma then finished in Germany while 98% of our AIT company went straight to Vietnam. Good job Billings Gazette for recording this awesome story.
Mr. Flynn,
You’re an outstanding gentleman, and we’re fortunate to have you come back to us.
From California.
From NC❤️
His recall is so vivid every detail like it was just yesterday I feel like I’m seeing with my own two eyes. Can’t imagine being in country living it at 18.
This guy has such a good heart and has seen so much carnage.
Ernie is such a nice/good and caring person everyone needs to take the time and listen to the man. What he has done and been through to helping Veterans with there problems. I hope for the best for Ernie and his family
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And we Sir are proud of you. THANK YOU for your service to our nation, our Veterans, and the Tribe. [SALUTE]
The tribe? As in the small hat tribe? Gods chosen lunatics? Then yes. We lost hundreds of thousands of men fighting wars for the tribe of the God of this world 6⁶⁶
@@nativemanateeroughskins774 I'm not sure what this means but I agree lol.
Hail Satan !
@@nativemanateeroughskins774 cant argue with that
Went to Vietnam October 71 as an E6 to Binh Thuy AB in the Delta. Living conditions were excellent AC quarters, great chow, never had to eat C rations. Server my year. AM 85 Now, suffering from Agent Orange. Living in Ireland, I was born in Ireland. Served for 30 years in the USAF.
I have a Vietnamese friend from Hanoi. His father was drafted into the NVA as an 18 year old. He speaks little about his ordeal during this war other than it was absolutely terrifying. Different race, same story.
War is always bad, no matter what side you are on.
I can’t imagine the life experiences he has been through. It is sad knowing all of the casualties we suffered, couldn’t imagine what it was like being on the NVA side.
its definitely worse being on the losing side.....
@@charleshardy6835 The individuals that are subjected to unimaginable suffering are always on the losing side, regardless of the outcome.
@@charleshardy6835 technically didn’t they win because the us withdrew forces without fully crushing the nva?
I knew Ernie when he was working for the VA. He was/is a good man. Thank you for sharing your story.
Good men don't go to war and murder people that didn't do shit to us.
@@ebogar42 Hey Eric...your statement was and is false....If Americans didn't go to WWII...we'd all be walking around under a Swastika flag... muttering Hile Hitler... Thanks to good men ...we fly the Stars and Stripes... don't wipe your ass with it...
@@ericunderwood8080 I never said anything about WW2, but that is also false. We only got involved in that because of Pearl Harbor, but Hitler wasn't going to win. We just ended it sooner. I am talking about wars like Vietnam, Iraq, and when we invaded Hawaii and overthrew them. Other countries too in the past that we've invaded and they never did shit to us. Any other time you right wing fucks will be saying leave the middle east and Europe alone, don't give them aid, blah blah blah, but then justify being over there starting shit and getting our civilians killed over our governments agenda that doesn't do shit for any of us. They aren't protecting our rights being there. Nobody has invaded us in centuries and would be stupid if they even tried. It's a suicide mission for anyone who tries because of how we're located and all our toys we have to defend ourselves before they even step foot on our soil.
@@ebogar42 I pretty much agree that we should of stayed out of every war since WW2...
Food for thought...when Charlie Wilson helped Afghanistan in the 80s...( I was a furnace operator worked on the Stinger missiles) anyway due to conflict of our two party system after the Russians left we should of stayed and built schools and hospitals because we had won Afghanistan's hearts...but due to conflicts between Republican and Democrats we just up and left...
It's my belief we should of stayed and built schools and hospitals... But then again who are we to try to explain anything at all to a country that has been around centuries before us.... complicated issue for sure... just saying...
@@ericunderwood8080 I agree. You can't make people change their way of life and thinking when they've been doing it for centuries. That's like them coming here and trying to change our way of life and pointing out all our flaws we have. We're not going to change. The way we live is brainwashed into all of us pretty much. Even if they had valid points we would never get it, or at least most of us wouldn't. I'm sure there are things they could figure out themselves to improve their government. They have to fight for it themselves like we did. If their motives are good and they need help, then maybe Nato can help, but the US should stay out of that shit. That's what Nato is for. I feel bad for all these soldiers that get caught up in serving their country when all we do today is things that don't really serve our country or have anything to do with us losing our rights or fighting for them. They're dying for nothing to me. It's like they're all pawns to the military. Even give them suicide missions. Have experimented on them before and still might without their knowledge. My cousin made a good career out of it and did a few tours during wars. Lucky for him he never saw combat and was out of harms way for the most part. I'm proud of him because he went in and only had to do what he really wanted, and that was to learn and get school paid for. He retired at 38 as a master sergeant in the Airforce. I was almost going to go, but his brother was overweight and we had planned to go in together. Kind of glad I didn't. I don't really like how the military is ran, but it is beneficial to young people if you don't have a ton of money for college and like the type of work they do in there.
What an epic, honest and brutal account. And it could not have been told by a nicer man. Man ek het respek vir jou Ernie Flynn! I regard you as a true war hero. Leon, Pretoria, South Africa
He's no hero for helping to invade Vietnam and murder people that didn't do shit to us. Are you high?
Thank you for your service! 🙏🏻
My father is a Vietnam Veteran
March 29th 1967 - March 28th 1968 Phu Loi Vietnam
1st Aviation Brigade
11th Combat Aviation Battallion
128th Assault Helicopter Company
(Tomahawks & Gunslingers)
Unfortunately I have suffered with spinal issues that have basically left me disabled due to his exposure to Agent Orange and the government will not recognize the children of Vietnam Veterans unless it is Spina Bifida. It’s a shame that Vietnam Veterans and their families have to suffer without any help.
One heck of a guy. Also one of the best interviews I've ever heard of a man having to go to Vietnam. What a story.
Love this guy. Great storyteller. And once again fine job interviewing. You are by far the best interviewer. I listen to the veteran documentaries quite often. During my long travels.
"The people are little, but all the bugs are big" What a great memory Mr. Flynn, and Thanks for your service! You are a funny man.
Definitely! I'm not great with bugs and that's one of the things I didn't consider moving out to S/E Asia (next door to Vietnam). We've got a couple of spoiled little princess cats, so I am very wary of scorpions. The biggest I've seen are about 5 inches long and maybe 2 or more inches wide.
Whilst they won't kill an adult human, they will give a very nasty sting. The other night as the wife slept, Mr. Insomnia (yours truly) was watching something on the internet whilst sprawled on the bed. One of the cats jumped down from her perch and stared intently at the floor. In the dim light I thought I saw a rat skittling across the tiles from under the bed, but when I turned on the light it was the biggest scorpion I'd ever seen.
I put on my sandals, and grabbed the cat who had now hopped down onto the floor to get a closer look at the not so little beasty.
I stomped on the terrifying monster, which had completely no effect; the thing was still alive and walking about!
In all the kerfuffle, my wife woke up: "What you do!?"
"Look!" I pointed to the indestructible little black tank.
"Just _kill_ it!"
"I tried!" at which she gave me the kind of withering look only a wife can summon.
"Give me your shoe" she said, so I gave her one of the sandals off my feet.
She smacked the scorpion. It didn't die. She smacked it again - it didn't die.
Finally she killed it with the back of a sweeping brush, and threw it outside.
Shooting me another withering glance, she turned out the light and returned to bed.
I now sleep with a hammer under my pillow...
@@jamesportrais3946
Nobody cares
@@T1C45 Why - think I wrote it for you?
@@jamesportrais3946 I care and liked the tale, thanks for telling it
I damn near fell out of my chair laughing when he said that. I can remember when I was a kid, my dad would tell the story about the poisonous snakes over there. The Asp would just lay there and you better not step on one or it was all over. The old 3 step vipers.
May God Bless this soldier for his sacrifices made.
Agreed
This is probably the most interesting impressive interview I have ever seen. Thanks! I hope someone can pass on my comment to Ernie!
This guy is so down to earth.
thanks ernie for being so honest with your story. carol and wayne from canada
Sharing on social media in the hopes that it will gain more views. Things like this NEED to be seen by many people.
What ive learned about social media is the youth, and even most of the people my age, do not have the attention span nor genuine curiosity, to learn from history, consider advice, open their minds and listen to these peoples stories. Especially if theyre not being compensated in someway to listen for more than 5 seconds. Result of a safetybubble, undisciplined, capitalist consumer corrupt & superficial society :(
@@flynnlivescmd yup all these kids here that mumbling rap music
@@flynnlivescmd, we are being TRAINED to: "be in a bubble, selfish and corrupt" by the example and legislation of Democrats who are now open Communists in collusion with China...while this great servant of our Christian Capitist Country is proud to have served so that he and his family can CONSUME everything he listed as a FREE MAN: Chevy SS 454, life and health insurance and a house on a mountain, etc.
Don't be programmed by the covert Communists that this man gave the best of himself to fight. We are being told to feel guilty for these things by the godless among us who also call our values and worldview "Capitalist," when our Declaration of Independence gives all the rights and credit for our values to GOD (NOT capital)...and inalienable. The stiff political contention we see today is the ancient Psalms82 war between the "Sons of God"/B'nai Elohim and our mutual Creator and Heavenly Father...and politics by any name is nothing more or less than these forces of evil fighting all that is good, as defined by our Creator in His instructions/Torah!
The influence of Satan through the deception of men has even turned many of the Chosen people away from Torah through Talmudic Communist ideology which rejects the personal responsibility and property rights commanded in Torah...not "Capitalism!"
Do you see how The Adversary tries to control the narrative so that God isn't even mentioned, and less than 3% could even tell you what the Hegelian Dialectic is? As in his discourse in which Eve was deceived, Satan and men like Hegel, Nietzsche, etc. asks questions that assume impossibly simplified parameters of reality which are false. Without a deep love for Truth found almost exclusively in Torah, and the revelation it gives regarding The Adversary and his deceptive ways, even very intelligent people can be easily led into rebellion against our Creator and the Truth of His instructions.
Your sacrifice and honesty is special.
Salute soldier. Thank you for your service coming from the son of a passed on Vietnam veteran. We miss you my father, 53'-00'. What a great interview here and one of the best channels.
💞🇺🇸 God Bless your brave father always.🇺🇸 All of our Vietnam Veterans will never be forgotten...🇺🇸✌️
Amazing, true strength. I lost my 25 year old son a few months back. It is hard not to fall into self pity and it is hard to rebuild. He went through a lot and there is no self pity in his voice , only the sound of hope and resilience Great interview.
Hope you are doing ok...nothing worse than burying a child...its horrific pain
All the best....
These stories make me feel so spoiled since I’ve never had to be in combat. I feel awful for all the young men who served in old men’s wars.
Edit: I just want to add how much respect I have for this man. I’m glad he is at least provided for financially after all he experienced. Brave and honest man.
Old men bad. Young men victims (until they reach a certain age, then they are also classed as "old men").
Not going into combat is nothing to feel shame about.
Thank you both for making this recording - memorialized forever. Don't let the stories evaporate.
God bless this guy. The country owes him big time.
What does the country owe him for ? Vietnam is 9000 miles from america and posed no threat to America ?
Jacob, keep your mouth shut.
Great interview. As a Vietnam vet his recollections brings back all the memories.
Memories of murdering innocent people? That's cool.
@@ebogar42 bro what??? shut the fuck up you idiot
@@dannymullentroll6701 I'm the idiot? What did Vietnam do to us again??????
@@ebogar42 what do you mean what it did to you?
@@dannymullentroll6701 When they invaded Vietnam what had Vietnam done to us to deserve us going in there and murdering them? They did nothing. That's why people were against the war. It was wrong just like going in and murdering Iraqis were wrong when they had nothing to do with 9/11, but keep justifying the shit all you want. There is no blood on my hands so I don't care.
Every kid suffering from entitlement should be forced to watch this by their parents.
Real man right here!
agree this guy is awesome!
Should of started with George W Bush and Dick Cheney who all avoided situations like this man had to face and would later go on to start not 1, but 2 useless wars like Vietnam.
@@justthefacts4216 Or Trump, a 5-time draft dodger.
@@stewartmackay except trump didn’t start any wars.
@@damonwicketts1638 So what?
God bless you for your service. I enlisted in 1975 and the war ended 1 day after I was inducted. Good timing.--Mike Battle
This guy is a hero , respect from the uk
God bless you Sir. I am glad to have had the opportunity to listen to your story
Thanks Ernie, I hope you're doing really well. Your story and every other veteran's stories are invaluable, as much as the effort, trials and sacrifices you and all other veterans have paid and endured for us and future generations.
How did losing a war 9000 miles from America help you?
THANK YOU ERNIE !
As usual, a wonderful person with a great story and attitude - served his country and took care of his family. I love these men. What a great example of an American. God bless you Sir, and welcome home!!!
God bless you my brother...69 yo Navy Veteran
Man you are true human being. Thanks so much for your service and also making a difference in other vets’ life.
You're my hero... I'm a Vietnam vet who lost one eye and I almost went nuts. You're totally blind and your demeanor is absolutely inspirational. Your wife, family and friends should be very proud of you.
101st Airborne here Ernie. Glad you made it home. I was there 65 to 66. Ist Brigade. That war has affected me my whole life. I wish you well.
I wish you well for going when called upon.thank you!
God bless you and all who served. Thank you and to the interviewer thank you, what a great thing you've done preserving these solders story
What a great man. Thank you for sharing your story Earnie. Watching this from New Zealand.
Same, in Nelson.
HB...Nth Island
✌️🇺🇸 Thank you Sir for your Service. Glad you made it back home. God Bless all our Brave Vietnam Veteran's.... 💞Love and Peace to each and everyone of you...Forever.✌️ Never To Be Forgotten💞
Thank you for Your Service! Saying this gets me choked up, because of you I get to hear the best thing in the world everyday. My child's laughter! His smile is my every reason to live. I'm forever indebt to anyone who served!
Man this man tells a great detailed account without putting in a bunch of embellishments like a lot of them do. Just a down to earth guy. Thank you for your service and sorry for your loss friend. This really gives a good insight of what he saw.
A great man and a great story teller! Could've listen to Ernie for another 10 hours. Thanks for letting him tell his story with minimum interruptions! He might have caught a tough break, but he never lost his spirit!
What an amazing testimony! Thanks for your service (from Canada) !
Nobody gives AF that you're from Socialist canada bud
As a Vietnam Vet myself, this man’s description of his experience in NAM brought tears to my eyes. This man’s experience with going blind was so heart wrenching, considering he persevered through all the shit he encountered. Thank God for the two Nuns that help turn his life around. I’m so glad that I found this Billings Gazette Site on TH-cam. I’m still trying to watch all the different Soldier’s Stories. I served in the US ARMY, Chu Lai, Vietnam, American Division, 198 Light Infantry Brigade, LZ Bayonet, 1968 & 1969. Some of my Army buddies and I make fun of which was our worst duty station, Vietnam or Fort Polk, Louisiana. All of you that took Advance Infantry Training at Fort Polk might understand.
My father was at fort Polk. He didn’t talk about much about the war but he talked a lot about how much he hated fort Polk
I've watched more than a dozen of these video. Much appreciation to the Billings Gazette for producing them, and making them available. And thank you Mr. Ehrlick for the valuable work you've done, and the way you did it. It's greatly appreciated.
ATTITUDE. RESPONSIBILITIES, MORE ATTITUDE. AND LOVE. AND GRATITUDE IN SUFFERING. GOD BLESS, ERNIE. WHAT A GREAT INTERVIEW. GREAT MAN.
AMEN to all of the many that got interviewed and a Big Shoutout to the Billing’s Gazette!!!!! I can’t stop watching this great interview endeavor!!!!!!!
That was hilarious when he said the people were little but all the bugs were big. He had a good sense of humor after all He's been through. I thank him for his willingness to go into war for our country. He's an honorable man.
I've seen this interviews twice, the first time, a few years ago. This is the best interview I've seen. It could be, that he is blind, and his mind can see what happened. Also, I am disabled, but from a car accident, tho it's not as bad as blindness. It's not always easy, but life goes on, and we have to adapt. I remember growing up, and watching the news on Vietnam, in the 60s. I really wanted to join up, and go fight there. But over the years, I wanted to less and less. Finally, I got my draft card, but the war was winding down, and I was so glad. People today in America, really don't know how good they have it.
All my friends that served in Vietnam said they noticed the smell first thing getting off the plane. Thank you for your service .
What was it like?
@@Dave-jj3fk they said you knew you weren't in America, it stunk and the pictures I saw looked like a yellow fog hanging over the countryside.
Just thank you for your bravery and service. It's also heartbreaking at the loss of life.
I could listen to this guy all day, he knows what he's talking about!
Al White has an interesting story to tell also check it out.
@@johnnyleewalker9872 This story is more relevant:
th-cam.com/video/QlunSNY5B48/w-d-xo.html
These interviews are priceless history. Thank you.
Gratitude and respect to you Ernie Flynn for your bravery and service to our country
Thank you Mr. Flynn
Great interview and good job on the facilitator’s end for asking intriguing questions.
Thanks you Ernie -- salute ..
... we never know what would have happened -- f the past would have been different ..
.. I have no doubt -- you have served in purposes we will never realize ...
... even as I think it now.. Thank you ........ I am grateful ..
Welome home Hero. You're the best our country produced.
Wow Ernie, what a hero and storyteller u r/were!!
Thank u wherever u r - I apprec. your insights and admire u!
Those guys were warriors. Welcome home...and thank you for your sacrifice.
This is such a cool guy. I'm so sorry he lost his vision.
I bet you're not sorry that he helped kill tons of innocent people though.
@@ebogar42 when you are older you will realize that life..war.. everything really isn't black and white.. hopefully in the future we can create a world with no war.. just Peace.. and maybe no bickering on Social Media too ?
@@tonyhussey3610 When I'm older? I'm 41, and I know that. That's why I don't agree with everyone elses views that it's just us "the good guys" against "the bad guys" We were the bad guys more than they were if you don't look at it as black and white. There is way more to it than that and always is. We aren't always the good guys or doing noble things around the world. We've all been brainwashed to think so though. Just like everyone thinks most cops are good when 95% of cops won't even make it if they were good and turning in other cops for doing bad or illegal shit. I've had my cops violated by one cop and several others stand around doing nothing, or a few cops slamming me once and then huddling up to figure out what to say as a defense. In court they said I tried to kick them. BULLSHIT. They aren't good. They don't protect the constitution either. They trample all over it and hate we have rights.
@@ebogar42 If you're 41 why do you sound like a teenage student trying to be edgy? Grow up dickhead.
from one roughneck to another all of a sudden I feel like ruoghnecking aint nothing !! Thanks brother!!
This interview was great. How he can recall the dates and days of events are impressive.
Amazing interview. Best Vietnam interview. Such great detail. God bless him.
Ernie Thank you your service I too am a vet 1964 to 1967
Ernie,This is one of the better interviews.Very detailed and interesting.
God bless you Mr Flynn, an amazing recollection and descriptive account from a man with clear integrity. 🇺🇸
Born in the same place, 10 years apart, we lived in two different worlds. Wow. This brings new meaning to 'can't complain.' But more than that, Ernie, you are an inspiration, you are positive. I hope I can do my duty better. You know, in the big scheme of things, I think you actually did make it. Not without a scratch but because of the scratch and your big win over it.
What an incredible man! Courageous and resilient as they come. Thanks for your incredible memories AND incredible service, Ernie. Best of luck to you and yours, always.
One of the best Vietnam warriors' oral memoirs. This was really interesting and I have heard many and read close to 100 or more non-fiction books on the Vietnam War.
No b.s. here. No hyperbole or inflated heroics here; this is the unvarnished, straight dope from a soldier with a clear mind and great memory telling it like it is.
Exactly. I was going to post similar comments but deleted most of it. You stated what I wanted to say. You nailed it.
My uncle fought in that war and received a purple heart. He told me war is something nobody is prepared for. So much death and people injuries mentally and physically that will haunt them forever. May all those who fought know how much they are honored for their sacrifice. I salute you men and women and thank you ❤
I recall resupplying FSB.s with a Huey. They had a hard life. Great interview.
Another Hero, Great story, Glad it worked out with the VA and the eyes finally. I have to say the Billings Gazette is doing (or did) a great thing collecting this history right from the mouths of those who went 'up country'' Thank you
Ernie flan welcome home sir if i I could give you one of my eyes I would ride the fastest rocket Sorry sir is hard to talk with so many tears in my eyes thank you preserving my freedom I made my whole family watch this interview.
Thank you for your service Ernie. May God Bless You for the rest of your life.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. It's a tribute to the fallen heros
People who skip college miss the experience that opens your mind and helps you find a path you love and become the person you hoped to be. I was terrified of the Vietnam war. I graduated in 71 and just missed it.
He must be a great dad, good hearted, honest and still has gratitude for the good things in life, like family, as opposed to being embittered by his disability caused by the war. I salute men like him.
What a smart guy and good human being. No excuses from this real man.
I love hearing these old dudes story's. Sounds like another world listening to these experiences.
I love this man what a hero
Ernie, you’re an amazing man, your story was amazing and heart breaking at the same time. I wish you and your family all the best. Thank you for everything you’ve done for our country.
One of the very best interviews by a Vietnam vet I’ve ever heard. Also, what an amazing attitude!!!
A great Interview. Mr Flynn, thank you for your service and for sharing your story.
Thank you to the vets amd thank you for doing these videos to share these mens stories.
Best one yet. Welcome home.
One of the very best interviews of this series! Thanks for your service Ernie.
My dad nvr talked about his time there as a marine. He's passed now and I'll nvr know. But stories like there bring me alittle closer. We are from Great Falls too and that's pretty cool. I was Army CBRN myself.
You ever see a man wearing one of those hats, you shake their hand and thank them.
Kendo75 ...I seen your comment and I had to respond. That is awesome of you and much respect. My Son seen me do that so many times he does it now. He's young but he knows what they went through. 1/20 people will shake a vets hand and say thank you. It's sad...
kursed parasite another guy say in these interviews said don’t thank him because he didn’t have a choice. I think he said he preferred “welcome home, which is also why I think a lot of the comments are welcome home”
My Channel My Choice - Another faultless way to speak to a veteran of ANY military branch is: I appreciate your service for our country. If they served in Vietnam, add the "welcome home" part.
It seems some guys get a bit embarrassed. Don't be cliche and obnoxious about it, though I obviously can't speak for them that seems pretty reasonable.
Not my biological grandpa he went to boot camp, played up an old football injury and got out, but now he gets veterans discounts and claims he went to Vietnam, the mans delusional. He even goes to a ptsd group.
much respect and many thanks for your service!
Everyone needs an Ernie Flynn in their lives, he is truly a good man. What an inspiration to us all. I hope that today in 2022 he is still doing well!