Continuing the Friendship: Children of Vietnam Veterans

My father served in the First Air Cav from 1965-1967 as a senior combat medic. He went by the nom de guerre "Doc Holliday" for his medical talents and his facility with weapons. His base lay outside An Khe and he spent many, many months with the Bahnar and Jarai tribes in the Kontum area.

After serving with them for some time, and helping to deliver babies and tend to the sick, Bahnar elder tribesmen gave him a bronze bracelet. Ever since then he's referred to the Montagnards with kindness and respect.

When I turned 13 he gave me a bracelet, which I haven't taken off in 15 years. He's given each of my siblings (five in total) a bracelet as they've turned 13. It was always something of a mystery to us as to why this bracelet meant so much to our father and who the Bahnar and Jarai are as a people.

I'd love to hear from any other children of veterans who have a similar experience, or from veterans who may know of a Doc Holliday or Fred Thacher in C First of the 7th, from 65-67.

Thanks,

Zachary Thacher