North Charleston, September 5, 2025
News Summary
North Charleston resident Harvey Jones reflects on his recent trip to Southeast Asia, where he was unable to visit key Vietnam War sites. Despite his disappointment, he acknowledged the remarkable transformation of Vietnam since the war. Serving in the U.S. Army, Jones experienced significant events like the Tet Offensive, which still haunt him. His journey provided a chance to confront lingering guilt and observe the growth of Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. With millions of living Vietnam veterans, Jones’s experience highlights the war’s lasting impact on both veterans and society.
North Charleston Veteran Reflects on Vietnam War Experience During Recent Trip to Southeast Asia
North Charleston resident Harvey Jones recently returned from a trip to Southeast Asia, where he expressed disappointment at not being able to revisit three significant war sites from his service in South Vietnam during the late 1960s. The journey not only brought back memories of his time as a soldier but also allowed him to witness the remarkable recovery and growth of Vietnam since the end of the war.
During his service with the U.S. Army, Jones recalled the beauty of Vũng Tàu’s pristine beaches. His unique circumstances, including his diagnosed flat feet, exempted him from participating in infantry patrols under General William C. Westmoreland’s command. Among his strongest memories is a harrowing experience during the Tet Offensive in 1968, when he found himself in a bunker at Cam Ranh Bay, fearful of bombardments from North Vietnam. This traumatic experience has lingered in his mind over the decades.
Upon returning to Vietnam, Jones reflected on the feelings of guilt he carried after the war, noting that he fought against North Vietnamese soldiers who “did absolutely nothing” to him. However, his recent visit allowed him to shed that guilt and observe the growth of Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. The vibrant changes in Vietnam stand in stark contrast to the wartime memories he holds.
The Vietnam War resulted in over 58,000 American casualties and an estimated 970,000 to 3 million Vietnamese deaths, including both soldiers and civilians, while excluding casualties from neighboring countries like Cambodia and Laos. Jones arrived in South Vietnam in mid-summer 1967, shortly after the United States made its military involvement overt.
Jones had originally tried to join the U.S. Navy in 1965 to avoid being drafted into the Army, but his attempt was thwarted due to previous legal issues stemming from his involvement in protests against racial segregation in Charleston. Jones actively participated in the youth movement, walking alongside notable figures such as Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during demonstrations. Following heightened tensions and subsequent arrests, he spent 11 days in jail before the charges were dropped. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the Army and sent to Vietnam.
Initially serving in the 1st Cavalry Division, Jones’s flat feet led to a change in his assignment, allowing him a position as a supply clerk at Cam Ranh Bay. He humorously referred to his role as providing him with “the power of God” through the use of a pen, underscoring the importance of logistics in wartime.
March 29, 1973, marks a significant date in U.S. history, as it is the day the last American combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam. This event is commemorated annually with Vietnam Veterans Day, honoring those who served during the tumultuous conflict. Organizations like Patriots Point in Charleston host events aimed at recognizing Vietnam veterans and educating the public about their experiences.
Today, there are over 7 million living Vietnam veterans in the United States, many of whom still desire acknowledgment and appreciation for their service. As the years pass, the experiences of veterans like Harvey Jones continue to highlight the complexities of the Vietnam War and its lasting impact on both those who served and the society that witnessed it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What year did Harvey Jones serve in Vietnam?
- Harvey Jones served in Vietnam starting in mid-summer 1967.
- How many U.S. soldiers were killed in the Vietnam War?
- Over 58,000 American soldiers lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
- What was the Tet Offensive?
- The Tet Offensive was a major military campaign during the Vietnam War, beginning in January 1968, characterized by a series of surprise attacks by North Vietnamese forces against South Vietnamese and U.S. forces.
- When did the last American troops withdraw from Vietnam?
- March 29, 1973, marks the date when the last American combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam.
- How many living Vietnam veterans are there today?
- As of now, there are over 7 million living Vietnam veterans in the United States.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Veteran Name | Harvey Jones |
| Location | North Charleston |
| Service Branch | U.S. Army |
| Service Years | Mid-summer 1967 onwards |
| Major Operations | Tet Offensive |
| Estimated U.S. Casualties | Over 58,000 |
| Estimated Vietnamese Casualties | 970,000 to 3 million |
| Living Vietnam Veterans | Over 7 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Old Spice Talc Lawsuits: Legal Support from Experienced Lawyers
President Biden Honors Nashville Heroes and Veterans
President Biden Awards Medals of Honor to Seven Veterans
Additional Resources
- Charleston City Paper: Tough Return to Vietnam
- Wikipedia: Vietnam War
- ABC News 4: Patriots Point Commemorates Vietnam Veterans
- Google Search: Vietnam War memorials
- Post and Courier: Charleston Vietnamese Restaurant
- Google Scholar: Vietnam War impact on veterans
- Task & Purpose: Myron Harrington
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tet Offensive
- ABC News 4: Patriots Point to Honor Vietnam Veterans
- Google News: Vietnam War
- WOWKTV: MIA Vietnam War Veterans Family Receives Items
- Google Search: Vietnam War veterans
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
