Cheating Death in the Jungles of Vietnam | Full Interview

The Vietnam Experience
The Vietnam Experience
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Published 2024-03-08
After graduating from college in 1965, Robert Ferguson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to escape the draft. Ferguson completed Officers Candidate School, but was rejected from flight training due to poor depth perception. Instead, he trained as a radar operator and deployed to Vietnam in 1966, completed seventy combat missions in seven months. He was then reassigned as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) to coordinate air support in the field. In 1967, Ferguson was severely burned when an armored vehicle detonated an explosive device. He was evacuated and spent the remainder of his military career recovering in various hospitals in Japan and the United States.

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Chapters:

0:00 - Forward Air Controller
3:26 - First Combat Mission
7:02 - FNG Tragedy
9:01 - Horrendous Burns
11:54 - Medevac
13:19 - Terror in Japan
14:54 - Dealing with Trauma
16:35 - Homecoming
17:56 - Rehab & Reflections

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All Comments (21)
  • @1murder99
    I was an Army Forward Observer South of the river you were working next to. The Marine Aviators provide the very best close air support.
  • @robertwilken9542
    Welcome home Sir! Co B 2/5, First Air Cavalry Division 1967-1968. Infantry. Saw way too much action over there! Still living the nightmares. Always will!
  • @ronaldwarren5220
    I flew into Atlanta several years ago to buy a car from a guy in Kennesaw. His father picked me up and during the drive I found out he had been a FAC in Vietnam. Man, oh man, that dude was wired! He was driving through that Atlanta traffic like his truck was a race car. I was thinking this guy must have seen some horrible stuff. God bless you sir and welcome home. Draftee here with Vietnam service in 68-69.
  • @lukata77
    Wow this is an incredible recollection Sir! It is an honor as an American civilian to hear the experiences of servicemen like yourself who have served bravely and valiantly and still seem to have great spirits. You all are incredibly appreciated and I pray blessings on your whole family.
  • @jamesrandolph6021
    Seeing this man lets me know that I don't possess an ounce of bravery. I spent my year in Vietnam in an air-conditioned office on an Air Force base and thought I was doing something. I can't imagine what this man went through.
  • @EdZiomek
    I totally appreciate Robert Ferguson's humility with his fellow combatants, and his compliance to lesser-ranked experts advice. Thank you.
  • @Bill-yy3ck
    Welcome home brother. I was Army infantry 11b B Co 3/8th 4ID 68-69. Spent 1 1/2 years recovering from from AK to the chest and hand. 249th hospital in Japan was where I experienced my first bed shaking earth quake. The old Walter Reed hospital in DC had 3500 patients at any given time. They came in and they went out. Some times to other hospitals, sometimes to VA hospitals and some went home. It was surreal.
  • @aegontargaryen9322
    Another hero who served his country well and bears the scars for it . Full respect to you sir
  • @theress9063
    Thank you to our amazing Vietnam Vets who all protected each other and are our heroes forever. The first war to be seen live on tv evening news every night. God bless you all.
  • @daveminion6209
    6:35 "Napalm is our friend...." - great quote (and on the job training - no doubt)
  • @masondipple2650
    True or not, this is why fragging was such a major issue. Your leader sends you to do something you might die over, you send him something he will die over. Peak cowardice though. Never send a new guy, regardless of what he is, into a life or death situation which could get everyone killed. Prior training does not equal prior experience
  • @paularndt6111
    Welcome home to all our Vietnam veterans. Thank you for your service to our country!! You are appreciated!!
  • @io3010
    Welcome home sir! What a great, positive attitude you have! May God bless you Vietnam Veterans!!
  • @DeeMoback
    my good good friend Colonel Dick Fox flew Phantom throughout war..... Dick was my golfing partner many years.... I miss you Dick.....you are not forgotten