Operation Commando Vault 1969

Ot Mean Loi · Post by **Ot Mean Loi** » Fri Mar 29, 2024 5:12 pm

Hello khmerhamster,

Sub consciously there may well be an element of what you allude to in my ongoing commitment to assisting Cambodians in less fortunate circumstances.
Yes, for well lover 30 odd years now I have supported and continue to support Cambodians is less fortunate circumstances. But this is my personal choice. It is in no way an atonement for anything.

But I served with pride and was proud to have served. As were the majority of young men of my generation.

And I have no feelings of guilt.

Nor should I at this stage be held to account or have my morality questioned by Bingham.

OML

John Bingham · Post by **John Bingham** » Fri Mar 29, 2024 5:41 pm

Ot Mean Loi wrote: ↑Fri Mar 29, 2024 5:02 pm A B52 bombing raid on some undisclosed destination/target using the title "Daisy Cutters" is totally removed from the so-called "Daisy Cutter" 15,000 Lb bomb that I specifically stated that I had no involvement with in what I posted in relation to Operation Commando Vault.

Fair enough, I missed that bit. However, similar to what you said about landmines before, do you believe the victims cared about what model the bomb was?

I further find it very cheap, or cowardly if you like, of you to question the moral integrity of those servicemen and women who, regardless of campaign/war etc., loyally served the lawful governments set in authority over them, who sent them to war. Service men and service women do not of themselves go to war or make wars. It is the lawful governments of the day that send the youth of their country to war.

OML

Cowardly? Is there something brave about blowing up unarmed civilians and destroying forests from the air? How was it a "lawful government" when the bombings were kept secret from congress and voters? There were solid reasons for the bombings but they were not "lawful".

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Fri Mar 29, 2024 5:45 pm

Ot Mean Loi wrote: ↑Fri Mar 29, 2024 4:17 pm Yes, John. Like many ex servicemen who served their country, and obeyed their lawful commanders, I do reflect on such matters. But hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Would you rather such matters never be aired in public?

OML

In fairness, you did write that dropping those bombs "became fun", which goes beyond merely serving your country and obeying orders. I don't doubt that you've reflected on that later, but if you write something like that just like that, it does leave a sour taste.

Fridaywithmateo · Post by **Fridaywithmateo** » Fri Mar 29, 2024 5:51 pm

I'm torn.

While I really am fascinated to learn the history, it also troubles my senses of right vs wrong. I served 18 years, no big whoop. Have plenty of adventures, but might be one of the luckiest ones ... nobody ever tried to shoot me and I never had to shoot another. But as a student of many things, MGen Smedely Butler's story really impacts my mental landscape on the topic of war ... it's a business.

John Bingham · Post by **John Bingham** » Fri Mar 29, 2024 6:01 pm

It is fascinating. I've known quite a few Vietnam veterans over the years though, both Anzac and US and none have ever boasted about being proud of what they did or said it was fun blowing up people.

Ot Mean Loi · Post by **Ot Mean Loi** » Fri Mar 29, 2024 6:07 pm

But have you ever had to serve your country in war, John?

OML.

John Bingham · Post by **John Bingham** » Fri Mar 29, 2024 6:28 pm

No chance. My country has a tiny army and there was no way they would have let me join even if I wanted to. I was not very disciplined or respectful for authority either and don't care much for nationalism. The only reason I could imagine doing it would be if my country was being invaded.

Fridaywithmateo · Post by **Fridaywithmateo** » Fri Mar 29, 2024 7:15 pm

John Bingham wrote: ↑Fri Mar 29, 2024 6:28 pm No chance. My country has a tiny army and there was no way they would have let me join even if I wanted to. I was not very disciplined or respectful for authority either and don't care much for nationalism. The only reason I could imagine doing it would be if my country was being invaded.

That's why. You have different "life goggles" ... we are all different.

phuketrichard · Post by **phuketrichard** » Fri Mar 29, 2024 7:50 pm

Ot Mean Loi wrote: ↑Fri Mar 29, 2024 5:02 pm A B52 bombing raid on some undisclosed destination/target using the title "Daisy Cutters" is totally removed from the so-called "Daisy Cutter" 15,000 Lb bomb that I specifically stated that I had no involvement with in what I posted in relation to Operation Commando Vault.

I further find it very cheap, or cowardly if you like, of you to question the moral integrity of those servicemen and women who, regardless of campaign/war etc., loyally served the lawful governments set in authority over them, who sent them to war. Service men and service women do not of themselves go to war or make wars. It is the lawful governments of the day that send the youth of their country to war.

OML

wow,
I personally have more respect to those that did NOT go fight in foreign wars to make the fat cats richer and blindly follow the governments directives.

Seems you find honor in the participation in the bombing of Cambodia, thats just sad

Currently reading

".....The only reason I could imagine doing it would be if my country was being invaded."

When i was summoned to report for my physical for induction into the US army in 68, i refused. Of course was arrested,
got my lawyer and went to court.
The judge asked me, giving the choice between jail or joining up an being sent to Vietnam , responded.... Jail
i than told him i would gladly defend my country if we were attacked, but no way would I go 10,000 miles to kill people that had nothing against me, nor i against them

Brody · Post by **Brody** » Fri Mar 29, 2024 8:27 pm

.
.
Setting aside the contentious issue of how and why America entered the Vietnam conflict..

What would you have the American and South Vietnamese governments do exactly?

Just continue to let North Vietnam have free and unfettered access through Cambodia and Laos to use as communication, transportation and resupply routes?

North Vietnam seems complicit to me, using these 'neutral' countries in contravention of stipulated agreements.

________________________________________________________

And what's with all this haranguing of OML?

This guy is a fascinating addition to this forum. He has firsthand experience during a historically impactful and tumultuous time in world history. Why drive him away?

Whether you agree with him or not, let's have a civil discourse. I certainly get a lot out of his insights and find he adds to the breadth and depth to the forum.

Much better than a bunch of ex tefl jobbers and degenerate hippies talking in circles. Yes, I'm looking at you JB/PR

Operation Commando Vault 1969

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