Santos, Bernardo, Jr., Cpl

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS.
In 1967, my friend Benito, who later turned out to be the biggest jerk, joined the Army Airborne. He fought in Vietnam and earned several great Medals. So, I had to one-up him, and I joined the Marines despite the protest and concern of friends and relatives. I failed my

Why I joined!

recruiting effort in Houston because I was honest and told them that I had Asthma, which I did.

So, what then was I supposed to do? Depending on how you look at it, I was either stupid or quite a patriot because I decided to travel to San Antonio and sign up there, omitting the fact that I had Asthma. I passed the entrance exam with a score of 100. A Captain came over and congratulated me and asked What I wanted to get into or learn. I said, "I wanted to become a Marine Pilot." I was in and on my way. The first night in USMC boot camp, I quietly cried. I was 18. A few months later, I was on my way to Vietnam as a Grunt Field Radio Operator! Worst position possible!

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
My intent when I signed up was to become a pilot. That was my intent, and I did mention that intent to them most strenuously. To my surprise, those who made such decisions assigned me as a Field Radio Operator. Little did I know what exactly that entailed. Suffice to say that my path became Communications. (MOS, 2531).

I was part of the tactical group called the Afloat Stage. We were based on an aircraft carrier, called the Valley Forge and shipped via helicopters into the hot zones in northern VietNam.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
A fresh US Marine at the height of the Vietnam War, what do you think? I was sent overseas in January 1968. First to Guam for more training and then to Vietnam in January 1968. I was in something called the 'Afloat Phase' and quickly learned that this was not going to be fun, even though at the beginning, I was stationed on a Naval Air Craft Carrier (the Valley Forge) and had hot meals and a bed and no combat -- yet. Much too soon, we were boarding helicopters for our flight into the hotbeds of Vietnam. The shit hit the fan. We immediately received fire rounds, lots of them from everywhere. We'd hit the ground and scurry for cover and fire back. This is the time you realize your true self. Will you shit or be brave.

I must say that in all my battles there, I never shitted once, nor did I cry, although I did lots of praying! A field radio operator is an easy target because of the little 3' antenna waving proudly for all Congs to zero on. I had many rounds (bullets) zinging by my ears and some that actually cracked, which is WAY too close. Someone up above was watching out for me because I did not suffer a round hitting any of my extremities. However, I did get hit by shrapnel as I minded my own business on top of an Amtrac. Oh, and yes, eventually, the helicopters would come back and pick us up, and we'd repeat the same thing every month or two. I left Vietnam in December 1968, still in the height of the TET offensive. I had been in 9 major Operations, mostly in the province of Quang Tri.

DID YOU ENCOUNTER ANY SITUATION DURING YOUR MILITARY SERVICE WHEN YOU BELIEVED THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY YOU MIGHT NOT SURVIVE? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENED AND WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME.
Yes! Many times. As a field radio operator, you are always a target. The 3-foot whip antennae is an easy target for the enemy, and I can tell of countless bullets whizzing by my head. It was only my immature nature and belief in God that got me through. And the two people that are normally closest to me are at great risk as well. This is the commander in charge of our unit and the corpsman. All three of us normally are armed with a .45 caliber pistol, while others have a rifle. This is another giveaway as to a high risk of getting hit.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
It is tough being in the Marines for 4 years and having a 'FOND' memory. I was a really good soldier but not a good Marine. I hated the hierarchy. I did have a fond or proud memory while I was in Vietnam. There was a time that I had to call in Medevac. I did it exactly by the book, and the wounded soldier was safely picked up. The pilot gave me glowing praise for how I handled the situation. And word got back to the Command Center. I am proud of that to this day.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
I am very proud that I served my country with honor, bravery, and patriotism. Even to this day, I am a long time member of the Military Order of Purple Heart, the DAV, American Legion, and VFW.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
This was touched upon earlier. My purple heart was really not for Valor as I was with my Lieutenant on top of an Amtrac (Think Tank) when the lieutenant was hit by Shrapnel on the cheek, and I received shrapnel to my back-right-shoulder. Many of the Valor times occurred when we were pinned down, and I tried my best to get others out of harm's way. Our Unit received the 'Cross of Gallantry' for our actions. One becomes very religious in such 'valorous' moments!

In Vietnam I learned about Valor and strength and a spiritual belief and honor and pride.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
The Purple Heart, The Cross of Gallantry, and the Nine Major movements in Vietnam during the TET offensive. The Purple Heart is the most meaningful as it indicates the height of Patriotism.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
The Drill Instructor's biggest impact is that, within a few short months, they instill discipline and fear. I still remember boot camp and all of my Drill instructors' names. Other than that, for the rest of my years with the Marines, I cannot think of a single individual who stands out as having a big impact on me.

LIST THE NAMES OF OLD FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH, AT WHICH LOCATIONS, AND RECOUNT WHAT YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT THEM. INDICATE THOSE YOU ARE ALREADY IN TOUCH WITH AND THOSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH.
I have not been in touch with anyone I had contact with while in the service.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
No. Okay, I remember one. I was stationed on Adak, Alaska, an island in the farthest part west of the Aleutian chain. I was on Security detail and drove a truck around the island. A mini-inspection is done before one takes on his security drive. It was dark, and I was inspecting and hopped into the driver's seat to do my checklist. No sooner was I in the driver's seat than I was out in a flash! Why? Some joker had put a Giant Alaskan King Crab on the passenger's side, and it was still alive! I was not humored! That King Crab, with its legs outstretched, spanned the length of the seat.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
I fell into whatever I could. As everyone knows, the VietNam Vets were not very well received coming back from the war. We were 'baby-killers' or worse. Being in the Communications field, there was not much available. I floated from Texas to California and got a job working with my cousin in a restaurant. Luckily, I decided I needed schooling and got an AA degree in Electronics. Living in 'Silicon Valley' near San Jose, I secured electronic jobs and flourished. At the same time, I jumped into Real Estate sales and investments. I consider myself an Entrepreneur and have tried, some not quite successful, many ventures and plans to make added income. I enjoy this immensely. I've done quite well, considering.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am a member, and most of them are lifetime memberships. The MOPH (Military Order of Purple Heart), the DAV (Disabled American Veteran), the Veteran 'Hall of Fame', the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), and others I can't place at the moment. I LOVE my MOPH membership! We help out at Veteran Nursing Homes and Hospitals, at the Vet Cemetery, at Senior Homes, and much more.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
The military is Military, especially the Marines. Those who survive boot camp and war are indeed special. It affects everyone differently. Some commit suicide, others have mental problems, while others are somewhat not affected. I have had mental problems -- PTSD. It's not as bad as some other Vets that I know. Basically, I believe just about everyone should be required to take a year or two of Military Service. Why? It conditions you. It hardens you and humbles you and matures you, and you could learn a very good trade. A LOT of people NEED that right out of high school, especially punks, homeless kids, or those who wish to serve their country.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE MARINE CORPS?
To try and think clearly and use common sense. There are many opportunities. Can you grasp them and use them to your advantage. In the case of being in a war, it's just perseverance, one of stubborn denial, and a headstrong 'forge-ahead' mentality. You either have it, or you don't. This is about Hot Warfare, not a desk job. Once one signs his life away, there's no turning back. Be the best you can be. Semper Fi!

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
Good flow of information to others. Good feedback.

KC 1.23.24