Vietnam War Vets Unite Through Ongoing Struggles

ST. LOUIS – Despite not meeting each other until recently, Vietnam War veterans Ray Walls, Tom Bommarito, and Rich Cremer have developed a distinctive connection through their shared wartime experiences.

The three veterans, who fought in the Vietnam War, still struggle with the enduring effects of their time in service—PTSD brought about by helicopter sounds and the odor of diesel.

"I wish all three of us could immediately share our experiences with the world, but we can't, it's out of the question," Tom Bommarrito remarked, contemplating the difficulties of disclosing their wartime tales.

Ray Walls, who enlisted at just 17 years old, received the Silver Star for bravery during his tour in Vietnam between 1965 and 1967. Even though a recruiter had promised that joining up would prevent him from going to Vietnam, he ended up right in the middle of the fighting.

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Tom Bommarito joined the military and was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery after he called in an artillery strike on his own location when the Vietcong were closing in. This act highlights the drastic steps soldiers might take when faced with dire circumstances.

Rich Cremer, who was selected as a medic, bears the names of 28 veterans he could not rescue, inscribed on the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C. These memorials highlight the immense weight shouldered by individuals responsible for life-saving efforts during conflicts.

The three seasoned veterans sustained injuries during combat and were awarded Purple Hearts. Upon their return, they faced a nation that frequently proved inhospitable towards Vietnam vets. These common hardships underscore the continuous battle for acknowledgment and recovery.

As these veterans keep healing from the wounds of war, they stress the significance of greeting those who have served with honor. This idea is captured in Ray Walls' words: "Simply welcome them back home; that's all they've ever desired."

All information in this piece was collected by KTVI reporters. The conversion of this article into its current form received AI support. It has undergone editing and approval by the KTVI team.

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