Veteran Air Force personnel visiting Washington D.C. memorials share war reflections from the Vietnam War era.
In 1971, Douglas Johnson, an Air Force veteran, was deployed to Vietnam for approximately 18 months as a C-130 loadmaster, stationed at Phan Rang Air Base, 200 miles northeast of Saigon. Over four decades later, Johnson walked to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., where he found the name of a fellow service member, U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Randall Keith Nauertz, engraved on panel 38W, line 40.
Nauertz, a machine-gunner, was severely wounded in Quang Tri Province on November 22, 1968, and passed away ten days later. Johnson, now 73, vividly remembered Nauertz and was deeply moved during his visit to the memorial, saluting his fallen comrade and offering emotional tributes to all the fallen service members. Johnson's feelings were profound, with his heartfelt that he wanted to salute each name, considering them all as brothers and sisters.
Johnson was among fifteen Vietnam War-era veterans from Wyoming who embarked on a four-day trip known as "Voyage of Valor". Organized by Wish of a Lifetime and AARP, the all-expenses-paid journey took place during the 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon—the final chapter of the Vietnam War. Caitlin Shepherd from Wish of a Lifetime emphasized the importance of honoring and recognizing veterans, believing they have earned the opportunity to visit memorials in the nation's capital.
Similar observations were experienced by retired Air Force Lt. Col. Bob Baldwin, who had undertaken a similar trip just a week earlier. Baldwin, aged 74, served as an avionics specialist at Tan Son Nhut Air Base near Saigon during his deployment. As a non-combatant, he admired not being on the memorial wall but was deeply moved by the visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Changing of the Guard at Arlington Cemetery.
Although Johnson and Baldwin never met, they shared similar experiences such as running for cover during rocket attacks. Johnson's base had bunkers, but they were frequently bombarded with over 300 mortars and rockets. Baldwin's base, on the other hand, lacked bunkers, forcing them to take refuge under their beds when under attack.
After completing his tour, Baldwin remained in the Air Force, rising through the ranks to become an officer. He served as a navigator on B-52 Stratofortress bombers until the early 1980s and transferred to flying missions on KC-135 Stratotankers until his retirement in 1994. Now residing at the Oregon Veterans' Home, visiting the nation's capital was a memorable experience, with Baldwin saying he was treated like a king.
Johnson, too, savored his long-awaited trip, reflecting on the impact it had on him after almost five decades. "It set me back a little bit, but it relieved a lot of tension… I feel like they're all my brothers and sisters," he shared. As an engineer with the Chicago & North Western Railway after leaving the Air Force, Johnson also dedicated time to supporting fellow veterans through his work with the Wyoming American Legion.
Randall Keith Nauertz, a Marine Corps corporal, is one of the over 58,000 soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. Although specific details about Nauertz's actions during the war are not available, his recognition on the memorial signifies his participation, bravery, and ultimate sacrifice.
- Despite serving in different branches of the military, Douglas Johnson and Robert Baldwin, both veterans of the Vietnam War, shared similar experiences, such as running for cover during air raids.
- Robert Baldwin, a retired Air Force Lt. Col. who served as an avionics specialist, later flew B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers.
- In the world of sports, Douglas Johnson, having worked on C-130 aircraft during his military service, switched gears to become an engineer with the Chicago & North Western Railway after leaving the Air Force, demonstrating a remarkable adaptability and commitment to service, both in the military and civilian life.
