Vietnam War veteran proud after breaking 35 years of silence
Podcast Episode
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Veterans Remember
Southern Wisconsin veterans remember their experiences this Veterans' Day.
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A young Steve Cameron holds a little Vietnamese girl at the orphanage his unit started in 1965. Read story
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MILTON TOWNSHIP — Steve Cameron left his family farm in New Milford, Ill., and joined the Marines in June 1965.
He was 20 years old, and the Vietnam War was raging a half a world away. If he didn’t enlist, he knew he’d be drafted.
“If your country needed you, there were no excuses, no cowardice and no second thoughts in serving your country,” he said.
Cameron met his would-be wife, Patricia, in July 1965 shortly before he went to San Diego for 13 weeks of boot camp. He proposed when he returned home, and they married in February 1966, just 17 days before Cameron boarded a troop ship headed for Vietnam.
Cameron was assigned to 1st Force Service Group in Da Nang, where he supervised 14 South Vietnamese civilians working on the Marine base.
Within a few months of their arrival in Da Nang, Cameron’s unit and a group of Catholic nuns started an orphanage in abandoned buildings on China Beach.
“There were so many children there who had lost their parents,” he said.
The Marines brought the orphans clothing, toys and candy. They paid regular visits—at least once a week—to the children.
In addition to repair work, the Marines fed the children, played with them and acted as role models in the absence of their parents.
“They thought we were great,” he said with a chuckle. “Of course, we had things for them.”
Cameron’ tough Marine exterior housed a generous, loving heart that melted when he met a 6-year-old Vietnamese girl who had lost her leg.
“It was just the smile she had on her face,” he said. “For someone losing their leg in a war zone, losing their mother and father, my heart just opened up to her.”
Cameron sent pictures home to his family, planting the seed of adoption. His wife was supportive of the idea, but at the time no adoptions of Vietnamese children were allowed.
It wasn’t until 1985 that the couple adopted a 7-year-old Korean girl, whom they named Julie.
Cameron said his unit’s relationship with the children at the orphanage revealed an often-overlooked aspect of the war.
“It was something we could be a part of, some place we could feel loved,” he said.
But the adoring eyes of the orphaned children weren’t enough to block out the disheartening stories of anti-war protests and riots that filtered to the soldiers serving in Vietnam.
“Whether they returned on their own two feet, in a wheelchair ... or in a body bag, they were met with taunts, jeers and derogatory name-calling,” Cameron said. “Over there (in Vietnam), it was out of sight, out of mind.”
En route back to the United States, the Marines were warned of the unpleasant homecoming ahead. The higher-ups told them to stay out of the way of protesters, not to talk back to rioters and to wear civilian clothes.
“It bothers me,” Cameron said. “When I went in, I was proud to serve my country. And when I came home, I was still proud, but I could not display it by wearing my uniform.”
Cameron was discharged in 1969 as a staff sergeant. He and other Vietnam veterans learned it was better to keep quiet about their service.
“When we came home, we were the bad guys,” he said. “So I tried to forget about it.”
Cameron, 63, of Milton Township remained silent for almost 35 years until the traveling Vietnam Memorial was brought to Janesville in 2000. While standing in front of the memorial, a business acquaintance shook his hand and thanked him for his service.
His voice shakes when he tries to describe the meaning of that brief exchange. He said it was the first time someone other than his family members had thanked him.
Now when he meets a fellow Vietnam veteran—or any veteran, for that matter—Cameron makes it a point to extend his hand in thanks.
“I go out of my way to do it,” he said.
Jun 28, 2009 at 7:57 a.m.
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Semper Fi Steve! Your story reminds me of my Uncle Andy who lost his life in Vietnam on 11-1-69. He had a soft spot for all the kids and especially the orphans. He had his childhood friend, Ted Jones of Jones dairy farm send over some of Jones' good hams and he gave the kids from the ville he served near a thanksgiving dinner. My uncle was an advisor to an ARVN unit. I served 20 years in the USN...retired in '96 as a BT1(sw).
Nov 12, 2008 at 6:21 a.m.
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ihavealife, thanks for your respect for Veterans Day. I'm glad you spared your foot.
lund22, brennan mentioned "spitting" as ancillary to what Steve Cameron said about how some people felt about returning Vietnam veterans. I supported brennan's statement that it's a myth.
Nov 11, 2008 at 9:47 p.m.
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Some people will never get it.We went to Applebee's tonight for "Veterans Night".They were very busy wait time was 1 1/2.The over weight lady in front of me said" Why are they so busy on a Tuesday night".I told her it was Veterans night,her comment was will rolling eyes "and they all have to come here"? I really wanted to put a size 5 you know where.(was afraid it wouldn't come out)So if you are reading this lady I hope you didn't choke on your meal while reading your book. Happy Veterans Day to All !!!!!
Nov 11, 2008 at 8:36 p.m.
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brennan and Gfan- I didn't see anywhere in the article that Mr Cameron stated he or others were spat on.
Nov 11, 2008 at 10:54 a.m.
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Thank you to all vets and servicemen now serving!!! My brother was in the Air Force and my nephews are in the army,I appreciate that they love their country enough to do this, especially now! God Bless you and keep up the good work. Some of us still think what you did was honoring to our country. I will pray for you all, especially on this Veterans Day.
Nov 11, 2008 at 10:24 a.m.
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I grew up during the Vietnam War and married one of the last draftees. I felt angry and ashamed of those who treated our veterans so badly upon their return. War is never a pleasant thing anyone. I am so proud and greatful to those men and women who served then and those serving now. Thank you to all of you!
Nov 11, 2008 at 7:21 a.m.
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THANK YOU TO ALL VETS NO MATTER WHERE OR HOW YOU SERVED!! GOD BLESS AND STAY SAFE!!!!
Nov 11, 2008 at 12:21 a.m.
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Thank you Steve and Semper Fi bro. I enlisted in '72 and served four years, including an overseas tour with Third Marine Division. God Bless you and every other Marine to ever wear the uniform for his or her country!
Nov 10, 2008 at 9:44 p.m.
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semper fi marine. one vet to another......THANK YOU!
Nov 10, 2008 at 9:35 p.m.
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I am crying from my heart and eyes as I re-read the article and think of what the vets go through upon their Homecomings.
Nov 10, 2008 at 9:29 p.m.
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To all of those who served, thank you!! My father is a Vietnam veteran, and I am so proud of him. The way many chose to treat the veterans returning from Vietnam is one of the most shameful chapters in American history.
Nov 10, 2008 at 8:27 p.m.
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Thank you Steve. Thank you to all Veterans, and Happy Veteran's Day. Hopefully our Soldiers will have a happier Homecoming this time around.
Nov 10, 2008 at 7:54 p.m.
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Words cannot describe the gratitude. I was not around during the Vietnam War, but I am grateful to the service of those in any military at any time. The love you have for your country is quite evident in your compassion to serve.
A few months ago, I was honored to have met a survivor of the USS Arizona. Words cannot describe how I was inspired by this gentleman and his selfless act of love.
Whether or not I like the Commander in Chief, that is not the question. The sentiments are that I am ever grateful for all that have, are and will serve our beautiful country.
Thank you goes out to all of my family who have service!
Nov 10, 2008 at 5:20 p.m.
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Their were ignorant people back then,and i see they are still wasting our air! Yes there was "NO" JOHNNY COME MARCHING HOME,for us. Sneak into the country,and be quiet,that is what was told. This war that's going on now,and earlier,they have killed children too,just the way it is,in the war zone,THE GOVERNMENT TOLD US WHAT TO DO,NO QUESTIONS ASKED. I am very proud of myself,and every veteran that would've dyed for this country,and every one that did. Steve & every vet.,just ignore the ignorance of the ignorant,a lot of that going around. We know who & what we are. We can not pick & choose who we would want to earn the freedom that ALL vet's gave to this country. Just like GOD,he loves everyone,deserving or not! WELCOME HOME MY BROTHER! AND ALL VETERANS!
Nov 10, 2008 at 5:09 p.m.
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ncpanfan:
Your father-in-law is correct re: Vietnam troops were not well regarded. But click on this site to see one of the many sources that show being spat on is a myth.
http://www.vvaw.org/veteran/article/?id=...
Nov 10, 2008 at 4:54 p.m.
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Ok I only read the article. I will read the posts. Like I said I don't know about spitting and such only their stories of how they were treated badly, not welcomed home, etc... I think every veteran deserves to be honored....
I don't think vets would lie as to how they were treated? How could anyone know how all the vets were treated that came back to different cities in the US?? Different areas might have treated those returning vets differently than at other cities... My father in law did not say he was spit on, however he did say he was not welcomed home as a hero but treated with disdain and disrespect. He does not like to talk about what happened over there or here when he returned...
Nov 10, 2008 at 4:46 p.m.
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http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2008/mar...
Nov 10, 2008 at 4:43 p.m.
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ncpanfan, read all the posts on that other site from top to bottom. You'll see that I disagree with some Vietnam veterans re: the spitting myth. I disagree with one or two people on the recording. I'm not on the recording. I posted my disagreement.
It is certainly true that Vietnam vets from back then to the present are not held in the high regard that WW II vets and Korean vets are. I believe Vietnam vets should be regarded in the same way that those other veterans are regarded.
This physical acting-out of opposition to Vietnam veterans is mythical, especially the spitting. No one is doing Vietnam vets a favor by saying that people spit on us. Read the post and take note of how the missing ingredient (the reaction by the veteran) of someone spitting on someone is always missing.
Nov 10, 2008 at 4:26 p.m.
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Thank you to my Father, Mr. Cameron, and all of the men and women who have served or are currently serving our country. May God bless all of you that are currently serving and bring you home safely.
Nov 10, 2008 at 4:16 p.m.
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and to all those worthless cowards that were not supportive of outr troops when they came home I offer up a big SCREW YOU!!!!!!! Wish i could spit on everyone of them, and if they are dead I would like to spit on their graves. Both of my uncles served in Nam and I dont ask them about it. The way these morons treated them is VERY disturbing.
Nov 10, 2008 at 4:14 p.m.
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Thank you sir for fighting for my freedom and for all of americas freedom. All of our veterans past, present, and future are HEROS!
Nov 10, 2008 at 3:52 p.m.
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gazette? In reference to how they were treated or the spitting thing? I don't know about that but I have been told by a couple of vets that they were not treated nicely when they returned? They don't even like to talk about that time (any of it)... Am I supposed to click on the link where they talk? The article states they didn't have good receptions when they returned???
Nov 10, 2008 at 2:45 p.m.
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ncpanfan, go to this site:
http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2008/mar...
Nov 10, 2008 at 2:31 p.m.
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brennanpersonal, I agree with you entirely. But unfortunately the stereotype, including the mythical spitting phenomenon, is promoted by some our fellow veterans.
Here's a blog from earlier this that dealt with the spitting myth.
http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2008/mar...
Nov 10, 2008 at 2:31 p.m.
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And yes thank you to all veterans!
Nov 10, 2008 at 2:30 p.m.
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brennan: Perhaps it didn't happen to you but it did to others?? I mean unless you could be everywhere at once how would you know what others came home to? I know several vietnam vets who would beg to differ from your opinion.
Nov 10, 2008 at 2:26 p.m.
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What a great story, thanks to you and all vets for the freedom we enjoy!!!
Nov 10, 2008 at 2:06 p.m.
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I get really tired of the urban legend of us Viet Nam Veterans being spit on and harassed by the people at home. It flat out never happened. The anti war protesters and those who just opposed viewed us as victims just as the country was by the nuts in DC that ran the war.
This guy has other problems.
Nov 10, 2008 at 9:48 a.m.
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I remember my uncle coming home after both tours as a medic with the Marines and the fact he couldn't war his Navy uniform when he was back. I always wonder what those people who were so cruel to the Vietnam Veterans think of there actions today.
Thank you Steve Cameron and all veterans for your loyal service to our country. You performed duties that your detractors had neither the character nor the courage to do.
Nov 10, 2008 at 9:37 a.m.
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My father was also, a vietnam veteran and I have always had alot of respect for all of you it takes a special person to stand up for our country. Hold your head high and Thankyou, for serving our country.
Nov 10, 2008 at 9:28 a.m.
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Steve and all Veterans
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
I am not a vet but I married one, My dad and uncles were and my daughter is currently serving. From the bottom of my heart... Thank you
Andrew
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