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Shot in Vietnam: Thomas Charbonneau’s Story of Survival, Loss, and Loyalty

True Stories from the Vietnam War

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Thomas "Frenchie" Charbonneau, served in Vietnam with the 1st Armored Calvary Division from August, 1967 thru January, 1968. On January 8th he was transferred to Alpha Company 1/6 Inf 198th LIB "Gunfighters" for the remainder of his tour. He fought, and was wounded, in the battle at Lo Giang on Febuary 8, where he lost almost all of his platoon. After recovering from his wounds he rejoined his unit where he finished his tour. Thomas reflects on his tour and the loss of his friends.

20 Comments

@johnbelus7828 1 year ago

Thank you for your service sir. I hold the deepest respect for those soldiers and Marines who served in Vietnam. It was an ugly war but you went, served and sacrificed your bodies and minds. I am so happy that you made it out and sought help for both diseases. They are both real. Cunning, Baffling, Powerful.
I am a South Colonie boy and know of and been to many of the places you talk about.
Welcome Home sir.

@keith01956 1 year ago

Welcome Home & Thank You For Your Service

@davidryan4127 1 year ago

Tears in my eyes for sure. Navy veteran 1970 to 74. No combat but once you are given the orders as you said , you do the best you can. I am glad you survived to tell this story of your experience and how your Brothers in arms fought for our country so far from home.

@craigcook1571 1 year ago

Thank you for your service sir, and welcome home.
I’m glad you did the interview and hope it helps with your ptsd in some way.
My dad was there from 66-68 till right after Tet.
I’ve watched him tense up over firecrackers for several years afterwards

@ronaldgrider7810 1 year ago

These guys had it rough.Thanks.for your Service

@jackruby64 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing your story Tom, when you question yourself "why didn't I get killed", this is why. To share your story honors the legacy of your fallen comrades, and also tells humanity of the struggles faced by those enduring combat and it's aftermath. I served in the US Army from '83 to '86 with many Viet Nam vets, including some of my DIs. One of my best friends after my ETS was a Marine grunt who was wounded and lost friends in the Nam (check out The Walking Dead by R. Dalton Buster, it is what it is). My struggle with alcohol ended on June 6th of 2000. Thank you for sharing your experience, strength, and hope.
Peace

@TC1234z 1 year ago

hey Tom, glad you made it and are still here. Nice to hear from another Charbonneau- I’m from Michigan; Marines, ‘67-‘68 Vietnam. 27:09

@flojo65 1 year ago

Thank you sir for your commitment to the cause and your service for America I had three uncles in the Vietnam War one got severely wounded in the Marine Corps set a timer for shrapnel but he lived he has passed away now 3 years ago

@Buzzinho-pn6rf 1 year ago

A very good interview from a GREAT AMERICAN HERO!! Glad you made it home Tom.

@denisebarnes8408 1 year ago

Thank you Donnie and Tom! Another good one.

@1murder99 1 year ago

Glad you made it home Tom, hope you are well. I was with A company 1st of the 46th Infantry of the 198th Light Infantry Brigade from October 1968 to October 1969.