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Burrell Landes

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A company of Marines was nearly wiped out in a NVA ambush. Burrell Landes was part of the relief force that rushed in and it was as they were carrying out the bodies of the fallen Marines that an even larger force struck. Part 1 of 2. (6:25)

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There are some things that Burrell Landes will never forget about the fight in which he earned the Silver Star. First, there was the jet fighter shot down by a SAM from the North. Then he had to chase down a brash young Marine who took off with his war souvenir. Then there was the Marine in the embattled line who said something that echoed throughout Marine lore. Part 2 of 2. (6:30)

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They took away the M-14s and gave the Marines the new M-16 rifle. Burrell Landes recalls how, when the new weapon was used in combat, a host of problems became evident. (2:47)

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After six months in the field, rifle company commanders were transferred into another job. Burrell Landes became the S4 in charge of logistics. In wartime Vietnam, this was a license to steal, but it was all for the good of the Marines. (7:28)

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The grit and determination shown by his men never ceased to amaze Burrell Landis. He recalls one Marine who not only embodied those qualities, he accomplished great things after the war. Another Marine, who was constantly in trouble, stood fast under a withering attack. (Caution: rough language) (3:14)

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After his Vietnam tour, Burrell Landes was assigned to Headquarters, Marine Corps. He marveled in disgust at the anti-war protestors in the streets and parks of Washington. He went on to serve nearly thirty years in the Corps before enjoying a successful business career. (4:46)

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They accepted the call. Burrell Landes and his fellow Marines considered it their duty to their country. The leaders he admired in the Corps and who shaped his career earned his admiration. His greatest fear in combat was that he might make a mistake and get young Marines killed. (5:04)

Burt Vardeman

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Drafted out of high school in 1943, Burt Vardeman went to basic with the Army Air Corps. He scored high on radio aptitude and trained as a radio operator on a B-24 crew. Flying out of Italy, he had a close call when one engine after another failed on the return flight. The order came from the pilot, prepare to bail out! (6:20)

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On his first mission, B-24 radio operator Burt Vardeman saw a plane explode after a direct hit from a flak shell. No parachutes. It was a real quick lesson in how deadly this game was. (4:42)

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After several missions, the crew began to settle down and get used to the routine. On mission days it was a series of preparations and briefings, and then into the B-24's. Radio operator Burt Vardeman recalls the progression right through to the end with the shot of whiskey. (7:09)