Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans

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Phil Mayrand

Vietnam | F Co., 75th Infantry Regiment (Ranger), 25th Infantry Division

Phil Mayrand tells the story of his last mission in Vietnam. He was coming up close to his DEROS and was trying to set up a routine ambush. Things did not go quite as planned, and it led to multiple men, including himself, being injured in the field. Part 1 of 3 (Interview conducted at, and with the assistance of, The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas.- https://theveteransmuseum.org/) (11:40)
The casualties were mounting and Phil Mayrand needed to get these men to safety. He describes the attempt to get all of the incapacitated out of the field and back to the 12th Evacuation Hospital in Cu Chi after the ambush. Part 2 of 3 (Interview conducted at, and with the assistance of, The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas.- https://theveteransmuseum.org/) (8:32)
Despite his wound, he was able to get back to Cu Chi, but sadly not everyone would make it. By the time the doctors and nurses could get to him, they realized how close to death he really was, running purely on adrenaline and the need to get everyone back safely. Phil Mayrand tells of his admiration of the men he trained with, served with, and fought beside in Vietnam. Part 3 of 3 (Interview conducted at, and with the assistance of, The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas.- https://theveteransmuseum.org/) (7:30)
Phil Odom

Vietnam | 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines

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. (4:36)
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. (6:27)
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. (6:21)
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. (4:19)
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. (4:10)
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. (4:17)
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. (9:04)