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But for the grace of God

Posted: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 2:57 PM
Filed Under:

By John Rutherford, NBC News producer

 WASHINGTON –  The National Archives has created an interactive Web site in which people can learn about each of the 58,250 Americans killed in the Vietnam War and also pay tribute to them.

"These are individuals, these are people who have given their lives, these are many of them my friends," Vietnam veteran Richard Schroepfer says in a video on the site, which is called the "Interactive Vietnam Veterans Memorial." 

The memorial provides a link to the service records and casualty reports of those who died in the war, average age: 22.8 years. Visitors are encouraged to contribute their own comments, stories and photos.

VIDEO: Vietnam Memorial goes virtual

"We know there are many untold experiences and stories represented on the Wall, and we hope this interactive version of the Wall will help those affected by the war," Russell Wilding, CEO of Footnote.com, which partnered with the Archives on the project, told a news conference this morning.

Wilding said the site also provides a way for people to pay tribute to the 2.5 million Vietnam veterans who survived the war.

There are 36 different ways to search the site, including by name, unit, hometown, home state, rank and years of birth and death.

I decided to try it out. I typed in the name of a friend from college who I last saw in August 1969 at a remote outpost in South Vietnam and who I later learned had been killed in the war.

Sure enough, up popped his name:

Full name: Suttle, Frederick N. Jr.
Rank: Captain
Hometown: Newport News, Va.
Marital Status: Married
Date of Birth: 1945-03-27
Death Date: 1972-06-02
Age: 26
Died of: Air loss, crash-land
Ground, air, sea: Helicopter - non-crew
Body recovery: Recovered

There but for the grace of God go I.

John Rutherford is an NBC News Producer based out of the Washington, D.C. bureau and is a decorated Vietnam veteran. He also posts stories on the military at www.dailynightly.msnbc.com (click on "John Rutherford" under "categories") and at http://john-rutherford.newsvine.com/.

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I am glad someone is paying tribute to our heros.  Both those alive and deceased.  I hope this new webcite will help our vets and their families.

Thank You All AND your families.

My brothers are vets of Nam.  They both came home, but not without issues.  


Donna Hutton

Donna Hutton, Clearlake Oaks, CA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 4:21 PM)

I think this is a wonderful idea. My husband of 40 years has been wondering about some of the guys he was in Nam with, so perhaps he can now find out about them...

Mrs. Lewis Gillespie, Wewoka, OK (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 4:24 PM)

Anything that honors those who were so horribly treated by their fellow Americans is a good thing.

Justin Case, Spudnucket ME (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 4:58 PM)

looking for some friends that served with the 72nd avition co. [mohawks].

joseph g. hall maui hi. (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 6:42 PM)

I think this is a great way to honor my fellow vets, I was there from april 67 til april 68, I started out in Ben Hoa and then transferred to Tay Ningh, was in combat eniginers, I belive this will be a great way for the younger generation to learn about the Viet Nam war

James D Langworthy Frenchburg,Kentucky (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 8:14 PM)

After all these years veterans still deal with the impact of Vietnam. Along with the men and women each knew either survived or did not, there were those they were left wondering about. I hope this helps. Our veterans, of any war, are so important to our country, and there are so many wonderful veterans.  I thank God for my brother, who has the best attitude of anyone I've ever met, and my cousins, my dad and my uncles and an aunt, all vets.

Judy Rooney, Casper, WY (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 8:49 PM)

L/Cpl Stephen Vance Parker USMC KIA 05-13-1969
Semper Fi Marine

Jim A (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:24 PM)

Eleven years ago, a group of Vietnam veterans opened the web site named The Virtual Wall (TM) at http://www.VirtualWall.org that has thousands of personal remembrances honoring those who died in Vietnam.

The Virtual Wall does not accept fees, donations, or advertising.

Jim Schueckler (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:40 PM)

Yes there are many stories from these brave men and women. But they don't like to tell them. Vietnam Vets don't talk about the experiences. When they came home from that war they were outsiders in their own homeland.

B. J. (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 1:44 AM)

Nice site, but once you find the vet you are looking and put in commnets the next thing you get asked is which package you want to buy to continue. No free rides for the vets. Some things never change.

Harden Gainey Hartsville SC (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 4:42 AM)

Thank you for this site. I served in the Army and was sent to I Corps with the 82nd Airborne during TET of 1968. I became Virginia Director of Veteran's Affairs and learned about Vietnam vets residual problems from the war first hand.  God bless all who served.

Samuel M. Black Richmond, Virginia (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 7:47 AM)

I was a flower child during that time, But I supported the troops. especially my fiance at the time--the years 67 - 69 --I wrote letters to many different people that I never met and don't have their last names, I sent the letters through my fiances mail.
I hope that they all made it home, I know some did not, I finally took my bracelet to the "WALL"
I feel that all the vets do not get enough support or attention--we need to do more for them. especialy the ones that return and do not know how to handle the horrors that they have seen.

I wish all of them and their families peace

and blessed be to all of them

kate goshen, new york (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 8:15 AM)

I'm a 39 yr old daughter of a vet.  I recently got some books about the war because my generation wasn't taught about it and although my dad was there he never talked about it.  The only things I know is that he was an air traffice controller in DeNang from 67-68 (He was there for TET).  I had at one point in my life thought he had not been in any heavy action because he was an air traffic controller.  Some years before he died he was drinking (he was an alchholic) and said somthing to the effect of how god could let one person live and the one next to him die.  That was the only clue I ever really had to what he had been thru.  I know he had six saves and that the air force times did some kind of write up on the fact that his airport in DeNang was busier than Chicago's o"hara at the time.  I would like to know if there is any way I could find out more of what he might have encountered.  Is there a way to find people he served with or is there information regarding what was going on in DeNang.  Any information would be great.  I woulf really like to know more about this war that forever altered his life and beliefs.

Bobbie Warren, Coshocton, Ohio (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 8:29 AM)

came back from the Zone in 68.I lasted about 21/2 years before I had to leave the USA.Never fit in again,have been an expat 30 of those 40 years.Thank you America for never accepting us back you had alot of heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

bruce, SE Asia presently (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 8:51 AM)

Bruce in SE Asia:  My husband of 43 years was there 67,68,69.  He too, never fit in.  But, we have survived somehow together.  You are in my prayers.

Red

Red Foster, Fort Worth, TX (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 8:58 AM)

What an idiot the person named John Post from Burnsville North Carolina is. This is a Tribute to Vets Fool! Not a Political Statement. God Forgive You For Your Ignorance! God Bless Those Who Served Us during Such A Horrible time in our countrys past. They did not have the opportunity to make such a stupid statement.

Marv Pettit (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 9:10 AM)

From one Nam viet to another -- WELCOME HOME

Mike Miller, Dayton, Ohio (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 9:13 AM)

My good Friend Randall Arbogast ws killed in Nam,we had a lot of childhood memories fishing in the river behind my house,I still visit his grave when I can and still miss having the good times we had together,"May God be With You Randall!!" J.B. WV

John (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 9:18 AM)

welcome home all vet it about time
vance drake usn 65  66 vietnam

vance d drake (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 9:22 AM)

To my Uncle, Ernest McBride, Raven Group, 11/1968.

Michael McBride, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 9:25 AM)

I Was a truck driver  for the 210 Av. 67-68; My friend James Pardo  was at Cu chi 25Inf. I think often of him and wonder  if he made it . Thank God !
Wilfredo Cintron was with the 9th Inf. At  the Delta. He Die there. God Bless all those who serve.

Raul Ferris (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 9:30 AM)

Thanks, for honoring the Vietnam vets. Their treatment was disgraceful. I did not lose anyone there but I had 3 brothers and 1 brother in law who served there. They are some of my heros. Thank you to ALL Veterans.

M. Jones, Rockmart, GA (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 9:42 AM)

I visited the wall in 2002, searched for the name of my high school classmate, James Coon, born 1951/2 in Van Wert, Ohio. Graduated Van Wert High School in 1970.  I don't know what service he was in, may have been in the Navy (Seal?) or Marines, or Army (Green Beret?) - - the question is why is name is not on the wall.  Others with similar names are from Ky, or Pa. and they are not him.  Anyone have the same question regarding a loved one, or someone you knew?

Andy Bailey (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 10:06 AM)

I am the daughter of a Korean Vet and the wife of a Gulf  War(1) Vet. My husband and I still work with Marine Vets and their families. I have to say that after reading all of the comments, there was one that made me well up. It is the most simple comment, yet it says so much...It is from Jim A. in memory of L/Cpl Stephan Vance Parker USMC KIA 5-13-69. Sometimes the fewest words can have the most impact...I want to say Thank You and Semper Fi to both Jim A. and L/Cpl Parker.

Amy C. Sun Prarie, WI (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 10:17 AM)

Thank you for the rememberance.  Those of us that served were considered bad people, but we were not.  We served our country with pride let those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for ever be remembered.  And let all politicans prior to going to war visit the Wall and think of the consequences.  I served in country two tours 1/68 until 2/70.

Tom Brown Crestwood, IL (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 10:26 AM)

i think not enough was said and done about the friend we left there . i am a veteran of the vietnam  era and do the rolling thunder as a tanks to my friend that did the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom . i think this site was a great idea

spc/5 gerald desrosiers (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 10:35 AM)

I served proudly and would do it again, even though I am partially disabled per the VA.

Jim Strahan, Dallas, TX (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 10:37 AM)

Isn't it about time to remember those brave men, who
gave all for a country that didn't appreciate the
sacrifice.

phil, el paso,tx (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 10:42 AM)

Thank you to those who have initiated this project, and thank you to all of you Vietnam Veterans.  God bless you and your service to our country.

Rebecca L. Guidas, Wichita, KS (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 11:24 AM)

Ron Duckworth, Cheyenne, Wyoming (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 11:30 AM)

I missed out on most everything, my dad was in Korea, my history books had 1 paragraph about Viet Nam, but for some reason, I am brought to tears each and every time I talk or think about those involved in the War and what they endured when they came home. Welcome home guys! From one who was too young to do much about it at the time

shari Omaha, NE (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 11:43 AM)

i was in service 1968 1972,I went to germany not by my decision but be cause i was sent there. therefoy my V.A. benafits suck explaine that.?

Roy Vinson (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 11:49 AM)

As a vietnam era vet, I never served in country, I hold in very high regard all those that were in country.  Their sacrifices can never be given enough attention, respect and honor.  Many of my friends gave all, and many continue to be plagued by the memories.  As a vet and the father of a serving son....God Bless Our Troops and God Bless Our Vets!  

Mitch B. Minnesota (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:00 PM)

I served with pride in Vietnam 5/65 - 5/66 and held my head up high upon return to the ZI in spite of all the negative comments at that time.  Those who were not there will never understand what we did and why we did it.

Norman Wine, Chester, WV (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:05 PM)

I served with the 605th Trans in Phu Loi, Viet Nam from May '68 - June '70.  Thanks for the tribute to all of us.  Welcome home to all of my fellow Viet vets, may we never forget each other.

Don Tobin, Surprise, AZ (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:08 PM)

A warm welcome home and heartfelt thank you to all who served in Viet Nam.  I know it has been too long coming.
Just want to let all of you know you are appreciated and I hope as the years have passed the bad memories have faded and the good memories have strengthened!
Special thanks to my husband, James W. Bowden, for his service.  We went through some rough times but, forty years later we are still facing life together.

Barbara Bowden, Mesa, AZ (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:08 PM)

I was an Air Traffic Controller in the Air Force at NKP Thailand 1970.  It was like a whorehouse at New Years Eve every night for a year.  I've been guilt ridden ever since.

Bob (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:09 PM)

I was in the Army from 69 to 90. Didn't serve in Vietnam, but was willing and able. God Bless you and your families. You will never be forgotten. Thank You

John Woodbridge, Virginia (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:12 PM)

Andy Baily...Some people will never show on the wall or on the list because of what they were and how they served.He may have been one of the "spooks" that were never officially there.

Tony in Ohio (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:13 PM)

My brother was a Marine who served two tours of duty in Vietnam.  He has since died from what we believed to be Agent Orange exposure at the ripe old age of 52.  He never complained about serving his country or about dying of cancer. He was fearless and smiled 'til the end.  "Once a Marine, Always a Marine"!  He left in me a legacy...I thank every Veteran I meet, for serving our country and keeping us free! To all Veterans who read this...THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!!!!!!!!

Louise, Johnston, Rhode Island (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:15 PM)

Great site. I served with the 25th ID 66-67 Cu Chi and 173rd Assault Helicopter Lai Khe. Welcome Home all you vets. We deserved better ya know. HOOAH!

Eddie Lowenstein (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:15 PM)

While brave and noble men and women were fighting in Viet Nam, I was a young teen, learning that being a movie star DOESN'T make one a decent human being, politicians LIE, and many of my "fellow Americans" were hateful, judgemental and ignorant people.  I learned that I no longer lived in Camelot ~ and it hurt.   May God bless each and every soul who ever fought for this country or to free the citizens of another.  Our military men and women and their families are a very special breed ~ deserving of our love, prayers and support.  Maybe one day Americans will learn to think and Vote instead of spit and Complain!  

Pat ~ Boise ID (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:20 PM)

Thank you Vietam Vets. What you endured when you came home was a something that the USA will never live down. Thank God that someone is trying to heal that breach. Three vets in my family and Thank God they are all OK. Hope that this website helps all those that need closure. God Bless all Vets including our men and women in active combat now.

Jodi E, Poulsbo, WA (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:32 PM)

I STILL REMEMBER HOW I WAS TREATED WHEN I GOT BACK FROM VIETNAM. TO THOSE POLITICIANS AT THE TIME MAY YOU ROT IN HELL.

RON STEFANKO SR COLUMBIA CITY IN. (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:36 PM)

67-68. 2/501 Inf. 101st Abn. Div.To those in my outfit I served with welcome back and God Bless you all Peace.

Norm Brooks Glenside Pa. (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:36 PM)

RON STEFANKO SR COLUMBIA CITY IN. (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:37 PM)

Thank you for all of who served.
I took my physical and planned on going in the Army.
I missed going in by a couple of days.
It is too bad America didn't welcome you back with open arms. that must of been  a terrible feeling to serve your country and not be welcomed back. Thank you once again for serving.

Pete Hines, Fremont, Nebraska (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:39 PM)

Thank you for this.. a si

Frank Smith (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:51 PM)

I feel I left 59,000 friends behind, R.I.P.
4/23 MECH.INF,25TH DIV.'68'

Jack Philbin, phila., pa. (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:56 PM)

I was Navy 64 - 88, but did not serve in country even though I was ready.  I was attached to Phibron7 off DaNang for a few months, but not in and heard the pounding we gave and received.  I met men ready to give their all, and most likely some did. I honor all my brothers and sisters and always remember what they did "No questions asked" for all of us. May God Bless all, alive and in a better place then here.

Walter, Connecticut (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 1:00 PM)



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