Vietnam War Archives - The Heritage Of Heroes

Nicholas Tooley

He moved through life with the quiet resilience of a man shaped by war, wilderness, and the long open road. Vietnam had carved its lessons into him, but the years that followed revealed the deeper truth of who he was. He found freedom again in the vast American landscape, hitchhiking across plains, forests, and deserts, meeting strangers who became momentary companions and listening to the land as if it were an old friend. He carried the instincts of a soldier, the spirit of a wanderer, and the heart of a free bird who never stopped wanting to fly. His story is the journey of a man who faced the world as it was, moved through it with dignity, and remained, in every season of his life, a hitchhiker in heart—still flying free.

James Joseph “Jim” Burke

He began his life in the air as Dust Off 87, flying rescue missions into rice paddies, canal banks, and night landing zones where tracers rose green and turned white in the air. He lifted the wounded from places the map said were off limits, guided only by smoke colors, instinct, and the calm precision that defined the 82nd Medical Detachment. When he returned to Vietnam, he flew in silence. The YO‑3A Quiet Star drifted above enemy camps at seventy knots, unseen and unheard, calling artillery with the discipline of a man who had already survived the Delta. And when the war ended, he did not leave the sky. He flew Birddogs, Mohawks, C‑12s, U‑8s, T‑42s, T‑41s, and O‑1s across North America, Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the Cold War borders, mastering every cockpit he entered. Jim Burke’s biography is the story of a pilot who lived the full spectrum of aviation rescue and reconnaissance, noise and silence, war and peace and who spent his life flying some of the most remarkable aircraft of his era.

Ronald Lee “Frenchy” Fry

He went into Vietnam knowing the jungle could take a man in seconds and he led his Recon and MIKE Force fighters through it anyway. From booby trapped trails to dawn attacks that blew him out of his foxhole and drove shrapnel into his body, he fought with the steadiness of a soldier who refused to leave anyone behind. The men he commanded trusted him with their lives because they saw him do the unthinkable. He dragged wounded fighters out under fire, stood his ground when ammunition ran out, and kept moving even as helicopters burned and the jungle exploded around him.

Nga Nibblett

She was born in Trực Ninh in 1952, carried south on a refugee boat packed so tightly that “men, women, and children” prayed for their lives, grew up near Da Nang after losing her mother at eleven, became “the chick the rooster had to raise,” survived the Vietnam War and the forced surrender of her newborn son, anchored her Vietnam veteran husband through the battles he brought home, gave free haircuts to veterans every Wednesday after his death, and—after 48 years—was finally reunited with the son she never stopped praying for.

Roy Glenmore Wingfield, Jr.

Lt. Colonel Roy Glenmore Wingfield Jr. was born in 1921 in Blacksburg, Virginia, the only child of Roy and Helen Wingfield. During his collegiate years at the University of Mississippi, he developed a passion for aviation, earning his pilot’s license through the Civilian Pilot Training Program. In 1941, he began his military career with the Royal Canadian Air Force before transitioning to the U.S. Army Air Corps following the attack on Pearl Harbor, stepping into active combat service as a fighter pilot.

David Salinas

David Salinas served as a U.S. Army aircraft electrician in Vietnam, ensuring the lifeline of Army aviation under fire. Driven by deep patriotism, he carried his experiences home, where he became a pillar of support for his community and fellow veterans. His story is one of resilience, quiet strength, and enduring commitment to service and healing

Dale Currie

Vietnam War veteran Ronald Dale Currie served as a US Army helicopter crew chief and mechanic, earning multiple commendations for his bravery and dedication. Today, he is committed to preserving the memories of his fellow service members by sharing their stories, ensuring that the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten

Milan O. Georgia Jr.

Decorated Vietnam War gunship pilot Captain Milan O. Georgia, Jr. led the elite Stinger Platoon of the 116th Assault Helicopter Company, earning multiple medals for valor and leadership. After his service, he became a dedicated veterans’ advocate and community leader, honored for his lifelong commitment to service, integrity, and the well-being of others

Martin “Pete” Rowe

Lieutenant Colonel Martin Allen “Pete” Rowe distinguished himself as a US Army aviator and leader during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, earning honors such as the Purple Heart and Silver Star. His exemplary service and dedication continue to inspire future generations of military aviators

James Lamar Stone

Medal of Honor recipient Col. James Lamar Stone led his platoon with unwavering courage during one of the Korean War’s fiercest battles, refusing to abandon his men despite overwhelming odds and severe wounds. Remembered for his humility and devotion, Stone’s legacy endures as a symbol of quiet strength, leadership, and service to his country and community

War: Vietnam War