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This page is dedicated to everyone who served, or was served at the 71st Evacuation Hospital in Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam from 1966 to 1970.
Maybe the stars were aligned just perfectly when we were assigned to the 71st, or maybe the Army, in its' infinite wisdom (...pardon the uncontrolled laughter....) selected the best and brightest it had and gathered them in the Central Highlands at just the time when they would be needed most. Whatever the cause, the effect was a tremendous medical, nursing and medic staff. In contacting many I served with, I'm astounded at the breadth and depth of their post-Vietnam accomplishments. It's truly humbling and, at the same time, gratifying to have worked with them once upon a time.
To the wounded who came through our doors, I hope you are well. To the aircrews who faced "the Dragon" in bringing in so many wounded patients safely, out of unimaginable circumstances, "Thanks for your courage and dedication to your patients and mission". To all the support personnel, you guys/gals are the best! Considering that many of us were teenagers, or in our early twenties, our achievements are simply spectacular!! Your efforts made it all possible. Without food, clean laundry, and everything else it takes to operate a 400-bed combat surgical hospital, it wouldn't have worked nearly so well as it did! Thanks, everyone. I'm very proud to have served with each of you! Streep
Reunion Information: ***NEW*** Please sign the 71st EVAC guestbook, everyone would appreciate Links An Army Nurse
in Vietnam
Battles Supported by 71st (a few of them) A Shau Valley, West of Hue - Nov. 1968 - Tiger Force Hamburger Hill - May 1969 Operation Apache Snow Information about Special Forces Camps (go to II Corps Siege of Dak To - May-July 1969
Books involving the 71st or written by 71st vets: "Home Before Morning" by Lynda Van Devanter. We just called her "Van". She and I came to the 71st at just about the same time, so our work careers overlapped a lot! We were on the same surgical team many, many times during our time at the 71st. This book covers her experiences, feelings, fears and explores what, for many of us, was a dark time. HBM is considered by many to be the seminal Vietnam nurse experience. I'll let you draw your own conclusions. It is a good read. "A Vietnam Nurse's Story: Dreams That Blister Sleep" by Sharon Grant Wildwind (no longer in print, but may be purchased directly from Sharon.) Sharon served at 71st in Post-Op...very tough duty IMHO. She was transferred to the 67th Evac in Qui Nhon or the coast. While there she encountered a major "push" (mass casualty situation). This book is very real and accurate. She has also written a mystery series starring a Vietnam nurse named Elizabeth Pepperhawk.. a challenging and fun read!
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Updated 4/13/2011 |
