I have been following the thread with both growing unease. Also, admittedly with more than a little growing anger.

First, how many of the respondents were mature enough to be socially aware of what was happening around them at the time?

Second, were returning soldiers treated in less than respectful ways. That is undeniable. Was anyone spit on? Can’t say. But there were more than enough other responses, name calling, and so on to go around.

I personally know one Marine who would have been brought up on charges had he not timed out.

On arrival at the Airport in Diego he was taunted by a group of ‘Hippies’ (his term, not mine). He lost it when one of them got right in face and called him “Baby Killer”, from what little I can gather he cleaned the guys clock. To be honest, I would have done exactly the same. With less provocation.

People you knew and considered friends before you went suddenly found your company unbearable after you came back. Sometimes you could hear them talking about you, you spent a very long time trying to forget what you heard.

Third, there seemed to be a mindset among the Services that anyone who had ‘problems’ upon returning to the real world were goldbricking, and should be treated as such. There was no support, no one to tell about the nightmares, mood swings, violent thoughts and behaviors. The only people you could count on were other guys who’d been there, done that. Or hide in a bottle or the smoke, or the needle. The last didn’t work very well BTW.

It's going on forty plus years, more for some, and a significant number are still visited by the nightmare fairy on a regular basis.

So, with respect to some here who have earned it from me.

Most of you don’t have a fucking clue.