Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
9:04 | Phil Odom was watching a movie when the VC broke through the wire and were suddenly everywhere. He had to make his way back to his hooch and get his weapon. He took his place on the berm and began firing for all he was worth. When it was all over, he spotted something disturbing among the bodies of the dead attackers.
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Phil Odom always wanted to be a Marine, especially after his sister married one. His dad told him he had to get a job so he became an apprentice electrician. But it seemed like the time to get away and pursue that dream.
There was one drill sergeant that was worse than the ones in the movies but none of them could hold a candle to Phil Odom's father. So he made it through in fine shape and became a man. As he moved into advanced training, they made him a heavy weapons specialist.
Phil Odom recalls the guys he met when he got to Da Nang. He was rushed right into combat and experienced his first firefight on the second day there. As the bullets were flying all around he jumped into a hole and met a new friend.
These Marines only used one vehicle, the chopper. Phil Odom did have at least one ride in a truck, on the way to R&R at China Beach where he kept his buddy from drowning in a very embarrassing way. You had to be careful with the locals. That farmer with a hoe probably has an AK-47 within reach.
There were a lot of booby traps In the area where Phil Odom operated around Da Nang. He describes several types that he encountered and how the enemy used them to create chaos and confusion.
When you're short and you're going home soon they were supposed to move you to the rear. Phil Odom tells the story of one Marine who didn't receive that courtesy. The captain made him go out on patrol despite having only three days left.
When a Marine fell through a hole in the ground on Go Noi Island, VC tunnels were discovered and explored. Phil Odom recalls how a cache of medical supplies were found labeled University of California at Berkeley. He also remarks on how the ARVN troops in the area were absolutely no help.
Phil Odom had extended his tour so he could visit Bangkok on R&R but the war was winding down and he was sent home. He experienced all the bad stuff, was spit on and was unable to talk to his old friends. And then the VFW and the American Legion were giving Vietnam vets the cold shoulder. What was wrong with people? (Caution - rough language)
We won that war. It's a real sore spot with Phil Odom that popular history relegates the Vietnam War to a loss for the Americans. It just wasn't so. We won the battles. We forced a peace treaty on the North and then they broke it. Congress refused to help our South Vietnamese allies and here we are.
