Bouncing Betty Mines Kill 12 Marines & Wound 16 In Vietnam
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- čas přidán 8. 01. 2023
- This week’s Urban Valor episode features Marine Vietnam veteran, Ron Galasso. Ron grew up poor in Los Angeles, CA. He enlisted during the draft and said he chose the Marines because they were taking fewer casualties than the Army in Vietnam. Ron enlisted into the infantry as a rifleman, but quickly got selected to become a reconnaissance Marine. He says bouncing betty mines were a big problem for them in Vietnam and describes a time the mines killed 12 Marines and injured 16 more. Ron received two purple hearts for his time in Vietnam. He leaves us with how enduring so much trauma in the Marines affected his transition back into the civilian world.
We are so honored to sit down with Ron Galasso, Marine Vietnam Veteran, because a lot of the previous generation of veterans (and still many today, of course) feel they need to hold in information and avoid talking about their mental traumas or acknowledge their PTSD symptoms.
Ron steps up here not only as an example for all generations of Veterans to open up and share, but he's also an advocate for mental health in the military for combat veterans, and we're so fortunate to be able to share his story, advice, and support through our Urban Valor network and community!
My father in law came home from Nam at the end of 68. His sanity however did not come back.
We miss you Larry
This interview is remarkable. We see a person who has overcome indescribable adversity in his life. At the same time, he is an example of a true competitor, and how the highest personal standards and core values have been the keys to overcoming adversity and achievement. I am sure Ron has had his moments over the years, but one would never know from his engaging and calm demeanor, and his obvious inner warmth, what his life experience has been. He is a tribute to the highest values and standards of the United States Marines. They don't make many guys like this. Hear hear, Ron. Well done.
True, and incredibly well said! Couldn't agree more.
19 year old American here - your story will not be forgotten. I cannot explain how stories like yours, and other brave Veterans, motivate me to persever. The situation you all were put in made me cry. I just broke out crying. I am glad you had the courage to speak about the War you fought in your mind. I have spent many hours volunteering at local seminars at Carlise Barracks, PA. Just being in the presence you men has a unique vibe. I wish I could remove those memories, and put the innocence back in you all. Love you boys- legacy lives on. Semper fidelis
These are liars. Don Shipley exposed one of them on his STOLEN VALOR CHANNEL !
What a stand up man. Semper Fi! Sir. You are a great representative of the marine Corp, and a hero for all you have done in your life. As a marine and a human being. God bless you and thank u for your service and sacrifices.
Yes he is!
Thanks for your service Marine
Thanks for the comment Melvin!
I love 2 vets shooting the shit. Separated by decades, but no matter what they are still brothers. Love this channel, please try and get more Vietnam vets on before we lose them all. My father served 3 tours and I miss hearing him chop it up with a cold beer and his brothers at the Legion. There are so many amazing stories that history lost, and these men are living legends. Keep up the amazing work 👏
What an amazing man I salute you sir and respect all your accomplishments despite having such a horrible life when you were young
So true and great comment
SEMPER Fi !
THANK YOU MR. GALASSO. + Thank You URBAN VALOR, (me born 1974) It Is Great To See Vietnam Veterans Get The Credit & "RESPECT" That They Are WELL-OVER-DUE(!!!) To Recieve. THANK YOU AGAIN MR RON GALASSO And THANK ALL OF *YOU VIETNAM VETERANS.*
I did 4 in the corp so I relate to this marine ,good guy.i was in danang he's right we got rocket's alot I'm still jumpy at night with load noise it never goes away. Semper fi brothers welcome home.
God Bless Ron! Such a great guy, & them adopting Doc Rolland is amazing. True Angels
1st, thank you for your service sir, you are the epitome of in my opinion what real man is , what I looked up to as a kid, I too grew up in a broken home, no father, mother worked 2 jobs if it weren't for my grandmother I don't know where I'd be today . I thank you for your story it gives me strength even at age 55 . Carry on sir!
A real combat Marine, and an exceptional individual.
I understood how he felt when he got back, stationed at Camp Pendleton after being in the bush for 13 months. It was a stifling experience, and I believe a lot of Marines took a second tour to avoid the stateside routine and discipline.
Thanks for serving Sir. proud to be an American
Thanks for sharing
Copy the routine and discipline stateside BIG TIME BS.
An absolutely amazing and inspiring story! A man who had so many big hits in life yet was such an inspiration and contributor to humanity. I love his Christian faith!
He really is!
I was born in 1954, graduated high school in 1972, I slipped past the draft, by a hair, thank God! I have a good understanding of what these Vietnam Vets went through (you know, somewhat). I was so lucky, I almost was enlisted, I was so scared! Those Vietnam Vets. were "the the men above men!" I don't know how they did it, but they were the best of our country, at that time!" I am so proud of them...they were the best of the best, just like this Veteran here was! I am so proud of these guys, because I know, if I had to do their jobs, back then....I would not have had the courage they had, to do what they did!! Bravo, and thank you, all the Veterans of the United States of America!!!! Our country is great, because of what you did!!!!!
Very much respect to you and all others, sir!!!!!!
There’s a man in the town I grew up that suffers from the same problems from agent orange as this man.. God Bless Ron Galasso
So sorry to hear that. And indeed, we were lucky to sit down with Ron
My grandfather has agent orange as a cause of death on his death certificate. He passed away in 2012. He was a radio telephone operator in the 25th infantry division 1968-69.
RIP grandpa. .
M father in law suffered the affects of agent orange as well. On top of being there 66-68
You, and other vets, are the people I admire most. Thank you for your service, and GOD BLESS!
Sorry, but you are watching liars and losers. They are your typical BS ARTISTS. Don't be so naive.
I can identify with much of your journey. Thank you for your courage in passing this on.........I'm just another Nam Vet...
Just incredible!! I don't even know what else to say.. Thank You and Welcome Home Ron♥
I think that's all you need to say! And I couldn't agree more
I love when you asked him if he got ambushed out there and he just laughed😂 that reminded me of my 0311 marine buddy that just got back from Marjah, Afghanistan. We had a party for him and a girl was like “So did you like get shot at”? And he just laughed the same way this guy did
haha, yeah. He has an incredible story.
@@UrbanValorTV Laughing eases the comfort and hides the guilt.
@@papagcortellino5283 that makes zero sense. Guilt for what? Comfort needs to be "eased"?
THEY WERE LAUGHING AT DUMB QUESTIONS
@@papagcortellino5283 it wasn't the social science teacher talking about penises and vaginas.
Thanks to urban Warrior for doing this. Ron Galasso is a real American hero and a stud.
Great story. Thank you for sharing Ron.
Agreed, it was great!
What a story of perseverance. Hero.
Thank you for your service, Sir, Semper Fi Marine...71 yo Navy Veteran
Dude. You’re a great interviewer. No superlative questions. You’re great
Total respect. Heroic beyond words. So many sacrifices. We owe everything to our military.
Again, mostly lies. This channel is notorious for not verifying these loser's stories.
Thank you for doing these videos brother! Keep up the great work because what you are doing is really important for you and other veterans. Once we are dead, so goes our stories of valor and trepidation. Keep these stories coming man. It absolutely is helping me to push past some of my demons. Ever Vigilant!
That's so great to hear, and we'll keep going as long as we're capable! Which hopefully will be a lifetime and then some!
Was thinking the same! This was an awesome interview! The bit about the dreams was somehow touching to me. I find similar themes like that in my dreams? Thank you Ron Galasso for sharing the stories!
Awesome testimony!!! May The Almighty bless you all!
Yes!
semper fi! from a old army troop!! 80's!!
I stand for the flag.
I kneel for the cross.
God bless you Sir. Thank you endlessly for your service!!!! ✝️🇺🇲✝️
This is someone that people should look up to and try to emulate instead of some sports figure or any actor. You Sir are in my time, the greatest generation.
Left me speechless, thank you 🙏🏼
Thank you for the great interview. Both interviewer and Ron were great. Thank you for fulfilling your duty to country marine.
I'm sure that Ron, just had a temporary memory "fart", like I've had so many times in my 76 years. It was ITR (Infantry Training Regiment), and then BITS (Basic Infantry Training School) I am also a Vietnam combat vet, and retired Marine MSgt. (1966-1986). Great story Ron, and Semper Fi.
I love you welcome home and it's great to see you supporting your brother. He's not heavy he's your brother.
Love his t-shirt. Thank you Ron for your service and for telling your story.
God Bless you sir. Thank you for the blanket of freedom you have given to EVERY American.
Thank you for your service.
Thanks for your comment J.J.!
@@UrbanValorTV welcome! And thank you Urban Valor for giving us the opportunity to hear what these vets have to say and impart their wisdom.
Thanks Ron, hearing you tell this is encouraging to me for many reasons.
That's so great to hear!
perfect example of why I love my Marines. no better friend, no worse enemy. SEMPER FI. battalion surgeon 3rd marine division.
Amen. Your a good example of what a man should be. On to many ways to type.
Everything will come back around when you need it.
Love that
A fantastic intervieiw. Thank you, sir. Thank you so much for what you have done for me and my grandchildren.
Amazing story
Thank you for your service sir. Nam was a brutal place🇺🇸
Phenomenal interview and Man !God Bless
"Sempre Fi means everything to me" - This story is incredible.
Thanks for your service and great humanity.
Amazing man!!!! Thank you!
Vietnam vets are usually the coolest people ever. They have that hippiness in them, being young in the 70s must’ve been fun af.
Great interview….much respect.
Thank you for your service!
Thank you for your service, sir, may God bless you. THANK YOU.
It was wonderful to hear your story. You gave a wonderful balance between the service and personal aspects of what you were doing during Vietnam. Thank you very much.
Amazing. Everything he went through and still manages a smile and appreciation for life and never once plays the victim.... Semper Fi sir!!!
My dad was on Guadalcanal bronze star purple heart oak leaf Custer he got that by CRAWL ACROSS ENEMY MACHINE GUN Fire to man shot in the chest. MY DAD WAS A MEDIC. Thank you for your service 💜 🙏. Welcome home
Thank you for your service
Thanks for commenting and showing your support to Ron, Joel!
This guy reminds me of Richard Marcinko. without the beard! Semperfi!
This WARRIORS STORY MUST BE TOLD .......... Everyone needs to WATCH this VIDEO twice...........!!!!!
Thank you for this VIDEO...........
God bless all Veterans thank you
Yes!
Bless you Ron. 💜
Wow….what an incredible man.
Semper Fidelis, Ron!
WELCOME HOME, THANK YOU SIR, GOD BLESS YOU ALL 🙏
What a Great old boy, everything he’s gone through and he’s still a lovely Gentleman, a credit to Vietnam war veterans..
That was ITR after Boot Camp....I took the Test...4 years of Aviation Ordnance F-4 Phantoms/A-4 Sky Hawks...USMC 70-74
... Very interesting interview - Good questions/
What a great story!
Indeed it is!
This man is remarkable, as all of the vets who dare to expose their story. What's awful is Google's impetuous and disconnected view that one needs to put up with ads ONLY to get paid to listen to these heros. Talk about their corporate play grounds and fuzzy work place? Talk to these guys who are talking
Love his shirt. God bless this man. Today's society is rotting from within.
Thanks!
14:42 you are amazing for your valor, strength and intelligence. Thank you for your service. I am of the same generation and I am so proud of you guys.
Thank you so much Gwen! We appreciate the donation greatly!
@@gwenhill2394 Thank you for your comments and incredible support for the channel, it really means the world to us and helps us continue to do this!
20 years old and 14 months of war behind him. Different breed.
He means ITR , Infantry Training Regiment, precursor to ITS and SOI. ( Camp San Onofre)
Semper Fi, Ron
What a GREAT Man!!!
What a great human!
I missed the Vietnam War by 10 years. My oldest brother passed last year from agent orange and the clot shot. He served in The Air Force at utapao Air Base in Thailand during the war.
the "clot shot" .... give me a break
My Brother In Law just died from complications of Agent Orange. He drove supply trucks and hauled the product. R.I.P. Dave Billerbeck and to all those who’ve lost their lives serving our country.
Respect ✌
Respect.
Amazing ,
Semper Fi Brother...
That colonel sounds like he didn't mind earning that gold star 😬
Dam good stuff.
Everybody needs to watch the billings gazette series I'd they like this.
Thanks for sharing this and thanks to Ron for the sacrifice he made for our country. I was wondering about the statement that the Marines had less deaths than Army. In Vietnam 2.7% of the Army soldiers died, while 5% of the Marines died. The Navy lost 2% of their numbers and the Air Force lost .9%.
I don't think I have ever seen an interview with a Vietnam veteran that comes across more together. Although he's got to have some issues deeply hidden. An amazing man. These are the men our government literally casts aside when their tour is over.
The effects of modern weapons is devastating when you really think about what they are designed to inflict on a human body.
Not just bouncing mines, but cluster bombs, napalm, chemical weapons, incendiary devices, etc.
Semper Fi Marine! Welcome home.
Class act
Semper Fi Marine. Most of America has no idea what a “Willie Peter” can do. Enjoyed your memories.
God bless!
I totally believe that Fate/God has a date when your time is up. A very good approach to a situation like this gentleman found himself in Vietnam. There used to be a saying in the trenches of WWl that there’s a bullet with your name on it and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Chilling
True Hero
Oct 68' a mine killed my buddy and also nailed me pretty many times. 198th Light Infantry Brigade. Call me "Old Shrapnel Ass". Came home on a stretcher
His difficult childhood was enough to screw up any human. I wonder how he came to terms with it?
I wonder if anyone kept track of “friendly fire casualties”? What happens to the pay for that G.I.? Does the widow/widower get any of the vet’s benefits?
Thank you for relaying your memories Ron, sorry that you had to endure so much to get them.
Oh hell yeah, the infamous " open contract" I became an M 60 pilot, lol, with the highest GT in 1st MARDIV at that time.
He said the Marines took less casualties? That's not true. They practically prided themselves on their higher casualties.
PFC out of boot camp was kind of a big deal!
Went to Boot in November 65 at MCRD San Diego. PLT. 176 Then 2nd ITR(Infantry Training Reg.) at San Onofre Camp Pendleton. After ITR and Staging Bn. A ten day leave. Then Nam. No disrespect to Ron Galasso. The 1st & 5 Marine Regs. were 1st MarDiv "Blue Diamond". Not 3rd MarDiv. Respect to Brother Marine Ron Galasso. Semper Fi!
0311 Grunt G/2/5 An Hoa 68-69
Yes Sir, I think maybe he means 3 MAF( Marine Amphibious Force) encompassing all 1st and 3rd Div. Respect
We need an index for the military jargon ? We laymen are out of sorts when it comes to these acronyms.
Guy is fucking machine!
Yes he is!
@@UrbanValorTV He's been through so much in his life it's amazing he's still sane! I'm not sure I would be. Massive respect from here in the UK.
Just commenting and liking for the algorithm. C 1/12 & L 3/25 2005 - 2011 S/F
Much appreciated!