Our American Stories When Friendship in Vietnam Meant Saying Goodbye
Feb 19, 2026
Camilo Venegas, a Vietnam War-era U.S. Army veteran who served a tour in Vietnam, shares vivid first-person recollections. He talks about being drafted at 19 and early jungle patrols. He recalls leading a weapons squad, witnessing comrades’ final moments, and the fraught journey home. He also describes the shock of returning to civilian life and the struggles veterans faced seeking help.
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First Night Realization
- Camilo Venegas describes arriving in Vietnam as a 19-year-old who suddenly realized "we were in a war."
- He recalls sleeping on the ground, hearing distant battles, and inexperienced units suffering heavy casualties early on.
Green Troops, Hard Lessons
- Camilo recalls getting lost on jungle patrols, running out of water, and being found after a day without water.
- He explains how being "green" led to heavy losses because the Viet Cong knew the terrain and tactics better.
Learning By Leading
- Camilo served as a weapons squad team leader and led night ambushes, learning tactics by doing.
- He and friends taught some sergeants ambush techniques after gaining battlefield experience.