Vietnam Medics

In the Vietnam War, being a medic was a very dangerous job. They had to risk their lives to save the lives of their fellow soldiers. The medics were extremely important for the whole platoon’s survival. According to Jimmy Johnson, a Dustoff Hall of Famer stated that “They gave us pistols and M-14s, but it was hard to use them because it took both hands to stop someone from bleeding”(Shaminder n.pag). Jimmy Johnson was one of few who risked their life in order to save another’s. He also said that he asked for help to carry a soldier back to the helicopter, but all the soldiers he asked just sat there and stared at him. Johnson had to carry the soldier himself. They refused to move or say a word. How can you blame them? They are getting round after round fired at their heads, and some medic is asking them to risk their lives to save a wounded person. The medics of Vietnam witnessed what most people never even dream of viewing. Doctor Eugene Fishman saw a soldier get his eyes blown out. “The bullet went into his right eye and exited his left. He was lying there vomiting up the rice that he had for lunch through what remained of his eyes sockets” (Unknown n.pag). Vietnam affected every person who served, but the medics of Vietnam had a total different view on things.