Carlos Garza was an American “Tunnel Rat” during the Vietnam War. One of the American “Tunnel Rats” in Vietnam, Garza was chosen, because of his slight stature, to venture into the narrow, pitch-black passageways of the tunnels. Garza’s unit was stationed near Parrot Peak in Cambodia during the Vietnam War in 1969.
Who were the first tunnel rats?
The tunnel rats were American, Australian, New Zealander, and South Vietnamese soldiers who performed underground search and destroy missions during the Vietnam War.
- 19 year old Australian soldier and Tunnel Rat Spr. Keith Mills. 3 Field Troop.
- Sgt. Ronald H.
- Sgt. Ronald H.
How many tunnel rats were there in the Vietnam War?
As Harold Roper, a tunnel rat in the early days of 1966, recalled: “I felt more fear that I’ve ever come close to feeling before or since.” There were only around 100 Army tunnel rats in Vietnam and most either died in the tunnels or in ambushes on the surface.
What was the mortality rate of tunnel rats?
Our tunnel rat unit was small, with at most 120 men in the country at any time, and a total of around 700 who served from 1965 to 1972. During that period 36 of us were killed and around 200 were wounded, giving us a casualty rate of 33 percent, high even by Vietnam War standards.
What was the deadliest job in Vietnam?
Overall, the U.S. military used nearly 12,000 helicopters in Vietnam, of which more than 5,000 were destroyed. To be a helicopter pilot or crew member was among the most dangerous jobs in the war.
Do Viet Cong tunnels still exist?
Now part of a Vietnam War memorial park in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the Cu Chi tunnels have become a popular tourist attraction.
How deep did Vietnam tunnels go?
There were a variety of tunnel types: squad-size tunnels generally were less than 6-feet deep and 100-feet long; company-size tunnels were wider but not extensively compartmented; and battalion-size tunnels could burrow 50 feet underground and sometimes contain up to four different levels.
How many American tunnel rats were killed in Vietnam?
36 killed
Imagine been alone down there, a million miles from home during those crazy 10,000 days in Vietnam. That both sets of men had to endure this life is appalling. There were never more than 100 Tunnel Rats in country at any one time and around 700 in total. There were 36 killed and 200 wounded.
What does red rat mean in Vietnam War?
The men who attacked An Lu call him a ‘red rat’ because currently Australia is involved in a war with Vietnam where they are fighting the Communist North Vietnamese. Because An Lu is Vietnamese, the men accuse him of being Communist. Red symbolises the negative stance on communist values.
How many Huey helicopters were lost in Vietnam?
More than 5,000 Hueys operated in Vietnam; around 2,500 were lost to enemy fire.
How many Green Berets served in Vietnam?
20,000
Out of the approximately 3.2 million American troops that deployed to Vietnam, 20,000 were Green Berets, who participated in thousands of missions that ranged from reconnaissance patrols to company-size raids to covert cross-border operations.
How did the Viet Cong tunnels not collapse?
The soil lining of the tunnel and steps which led up from the tunnels to the entrance were so resilient it was hard for the enemy to destroy the tunnels. This tunnel entrance was preserved as part of the Vietnam War memorial park.
Was Harry Bosch a tunnel rat?
Hieronymus (Harry) Bosch made his debut in Connelly’s first novel, “The Black Echo,” in 1992. Back then, he was an Army veteran who’d served as a tunnel rat with the 1st Infantry Division during the Vietnam War.
How many helicopter shot down in Vietnam?
11,846 helicopters
According to the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, a total of 11,846 helicopters were shot down or crashed during the war, resulting in nearly 5,000 American pilots and crew killed. Of those servicepeople, 2,382 were killed while serving aboard UH-1 Iroquois, better known as the ubiquitous “Huey.”
How long did a soldier serve in the Vietnam War?
A tour of duty in Vietnam for most ground forces lasted one year. Becoming “short” by having less than 100 days left in a tour of duty was a cause for celebration.
What was the most feared army in the Vietnam War?
Tiger Force (Recon) 1-327th was a highly decorated small unit in Vietnam, and paid for its reputation with heavy casualties. In October 1968, Tiger Force’s parent battalion was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation by President Lyndon B.
What was the bloodiest day in Vietnam?
The deadliest day of the Vietnam War for the U.S. was 31 January at the start of the Tet Offensive when 246 Americans were killed in action.
What is the deadliest job on earth?
1. Fishing and Hunting Workers. Fatal injury rate: 132.1 per 100,000 workers. Fishing and hunting workers work with wildlife in a variety of aspects.
How tough were the Viet Cong?
The Viet Cong is a tough enemy but no tougher than his opponents. He is not a superman, nor is he invincible. It is impossible to predict how long it will take but the Republic of Vietnam and the United States are committed to stopping his aggression.
What was the average life expectancy of a tunnel rat in Vietnam?
The life expectancy of a “tunnel rat” in Vietnam was three seconds. With such a statistic it is amazing Richard Blair survived 18 months scurrying through enemy tunnels, but today at the age of 75 he struggles with memories and health issues from his service.
What did the Viet Cong hide in the tunnels?
The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters.