In 1968, Cheryl Feala of North Bend, Nebraska was a nursing graduate and a 2nd Lieutenant in the United State Army stationed at Chu Lai Airbase located just 55 miles from the DMZ during the Vietnam War. Cheryl reflects on her memories as a combat nurse in the year of the Tet Offensive.
VIDEO HERE (9:20 minutes)
Pretty fascinating. I have a daughter who lives in Fremont, NE, and another who lives in Columbus, NE. North Bend is the between the two on US 30, so I get to drive through there a lot. Not a whole lot there but corn. Another interesting fact about North Bend. The first US soldier to make it across the Rhine River in Remagen during WWII was from there.
ReplyDeleteChu Lai is the Chinese Mandarin interpretation of Krulac. Lt. General Brut Krulac designated the land that was to become Chu Lai Marine Air Base in his name. He studied Mandarin in China in 1939 as a Lieutenant protecting the European community from the Japanese.
ReplyDeleteAngels, all of them. Oh to see a “round-eye” nurse was a treat to be savored. No such thing as a “safe space” or “rear area” in the Nam. Bless all the ladies and their sacrifices. Sez, 1st ANGLICO, class of 71’
ReplyDeleteDamnit Kenny...Bless you and bless those women. Just opens up the YT rabbit hole...can't watch more than a couple. Thank you though for these reminders.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Home Sister. regards, Alemaster
ReplyDeleteThat says it all.
DeleteI'll also always have a soft spot for the Donut Dollies.
I would love to go and hug her.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of nurse interviews on youtube. Saw several so far from the big base camp of the 25 Infantry Division at Cu Chi. I was in their 12th Evac in late August of 67. On nurse I remember was a black Captain that was looking at me when I came to after surgery. Next time I saw here was on the tv series China Beach. That episode was flashing back with interviews of actual nurses that served. Short interview with her and it was like yesterday. Would really like to have a copy of that show if possible. Definitely Angles sent by God!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I ever saw a nurse but knew they were there. For that I am grateful. I was medavac to Guam and do not remember nurses there. At least not women. There were men who I figured were medics. I've been sitting here thinking about it and I sure think I'd have remembered a round eyed white woman. They patched me up in Guam and I was sent back to my unit.
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