Sergeant Jerry Chong, M/3/7 Marines Vietnam

I’m Ray Kennedy’s daughter. Thank you for telling the story that dad has been reluctant to. ❤ Thank you for your service.

Thank you Jerry for the kind words about our squad, and others. Jerry is an outstanding Marine, and always was. I remember when I first met him. Chuck Hill, and I were sitting in our bunker cleaning our weapons, and suddenly we see Jerry standing at the entrance, in the sun with a big smile, introducing himself to us. At that time I didn't know the positive asset he would be for our team. It kind of set you back to see an Oriental/Chinese with a Marine Corps uniform on speaking perfect English talking to you, but he was so likeable, obviously new to Vietnam, "clean" with his stateside utilities, and boots on. It was a shock, and also funny at the same time. Perhaps feeling sorry for each other, but It was like right there Hill, and I realized we had to take care of him, and that we "amazingly" liked him and became brothers for life. I liked him even more when later he broke out a photo of his wife Carol! What a beautiful woman, and yes we need to watch over him. Today everytime my wife, and I go to California we make it a point to stop, and visit them. Great people both. I can't remember how long Chuck, and I had been in country before Jerry appeared, and regretfully after being on the team together, and not always with them because I was the Lt's radioman witch met statistically (6) six seconds to live when the firefight started. After my second Purple Heart I was sent out of country to Okinawa to complete my mandatory 13 months, and afterwards I was sent home to the world fortunately with all my body parts intact. I'm always thinking about our Marine's that didn't make it back alive, and what happened to them. Extremely sad! Good men that were mostly only 18, 19, 20 years old. Ray Kennedy, U.S.M.C Mike Co. 3/7

Turns down an office job to sweat with the marines. That shows what a man he is.

Very Interesting. I was an 0311 Grunt Rifleman, with H-co 2/5 Marines, later ScoutSniper Hq-co 5th Marines 1968/69, our base camp was at An Hoa. I participated on 7 search & Destroy Operations in the same areas: Arizona Territory, Liberty Bridge area, Dodge City, while on Operation Meade River, Que Song mountains ⛰️ and Valley, also the Goi Noi Island 🏝 area. Near the end of my tour I was a ScoutSniper attached to E-co 2/5 Marines & a local Vietnamese RF/PF unit along I believe route #4 South of Charlie Ridge, between Hill #52 &75. I had many of the same experiences and feelings this man is talking about. I have great respect for him 🙏🙏🇺🇸

I loved every minute of this interview. The “greatest” generation doesn’t got shit on these guys. I still cannot fathom how these guys were treated when they came home. They deserve a lot better. I like hearing these because my father never talks about Vietnam

Jerry, I enjoyed your genuine, testimony. You were a brave man, worthy of honor. Glad you made it home.

So well done and so well told. These guys don’t brag and are quick to give credit and take blame. I have more respect for these Vietnam vets than any other group of people I’ve ever come across in my life.

My brother Joe Rivers was there Too! He passed away May 20, 2022, riddled with cancer! Camp Lejeune and Vietnam!

This man is amazing I could listen to him talk about anything thank the lord his parents came to usa

You have a fantastic channel! I'm from the uk and not forces but I want to learn and your interviews with the Marines that were there bring it alive in ways no reporters film can do, so thank you for that! For Jerry and everyone else in the comment section thank you for your service, I have huge respect for you all

In 1970 I was with Mike 3/7 in the Queson mountains. When the 3rd mardiv left RVN I was transfered to 2nd squad Charlie 1/1 and became a squad leader.

By Jerry’s photo of himself as a young man, I can see how he looks much like the enemy 😊 His humor is infectious. A true Marine.

February 13th. was the day I joined the Marine Corps in 1994. I am a disabled OEF veteran. Semper Fi!

Thank you for your service. We really appreciate you sharing these stories with us. When I heard that someone from Hayward was in the story it made me real proud. My uncle Dennis was also from Hayward and was killed near Quang Tri. 2 of my other uncles made it home safely but he is always missed.

Thank you sir. I'm glad you was able to be there for Mack. God bless you and thanks for sharing your experience! Semper Fidelis

Great interview. From one Nam Marine combat vet to another, Semper Fi.

You can tell this man has relived that year over and over again. Such memory. Like it was yesterday.

So sorry about your loses. RIP I'm so glad you're here.

Thanks for sharing!

I served as a Marine in ‘Nam. Our interrogator here is remarkably knowledgeable concerning the Marine Corps during the ‘Nam era, both in ‘Nam and stateside, and about what it was like their in ‘Nam. No doubt in my mind that he is a former Marine, but at his age (by the sound of his voice), there seems no way that he should have anywhere near so much specific knowledge concerning the places in ‘Nam, and what it was like, right down to the hootches we lived in, and much more. I keep asking myself over and over again, “How does he know that?”. This guy is also amazingly intuitive, and let’s face it, he’s very bright!