Anyone who’s ever deployed can tell you there’s more to worry about in the field than just the enemy. While of course the North Vietnamese were the primary concern of American troops in the Vietnam War, just being in the jungle presented an entirely unexpected series of its own challenges – like giant centipedes.

Rumors persisted about things like fragging, rampant drug use, and even the appearance of Bigfoot in Vietnam. But when US troops weren’t earning the Medal of Honor while completely stoned, they were fighting off things that only previously appeared in their nightmares.

Bring on the flamethrower.

Giant insects

As seen in the cover photo of this post, the creepy crawlers of the jungle have the space and the food necessary to grow to an insane level. That guy in the photo is Scolopendra subspinipes, also known as the Vietnamese centipede, Chinese redhead, or Jungle Centipede.

It’s extremely aggressive, and its venomous bite hurts like hell, sources say. But the fun doesn’t stop with centipedes. Giant scorpions were also known to bother American troops in bivouac.

Weaver ants

Imagine you’re in some kind of tank or armored vehicle, busting down trees in the jungle when suddenly, you bust down the wrong tree, one filled with a nest of red ants. These buggers were reportedly immune to the issued bug spray and, given the choice between NVA small arms fire and dealing with red ants in the tank, tank crews would either bail on the tank or man the vehicle completely naked. They were often referred to as “communist ants” because they were red in color and never seemed to attack the Vietnamese.

Debilitating plants

Troops in Vietnam were sometimes lifted right up out of troop carriers and other vehicles by low-hanging vines that seemed innocent at first, but as soon as they were touched, constricted around an unsuspecting driver, grabbing them by the arms or neck. They became known as the “wait-a-minute” vines. But that’s just the beginning.

Vietnam’s most beautiful trees and flowers are also its deadliest. Heartbreak Grass, Flame Lillies, Twisted Cord Flowers, and Bark Cloth Trees are all powerful enough to kill a human or cause blindness upon contact or accidental ingestion, which is more common than one might think.

Bring that flamethrower back over here.

Venomous snakes

You know what kinds of animals love a hot, humid place with lots of shade? Reptiles and amphibians, both of which Vietnam has in droves. Vietnam has so many snakes, American troops were advised to just assume they were all deadly – because most of them are. The country is filled with Cobras, Kraits, Vipers, and more.

The snakes that weren’t venomous were all giant constrictors, still very capable of murdering you in your jungle sleep.

Large wildlife

Yes, troops were mauled by tigers.

Since we’re talking about giant jungle snakes, we should discuss the other giant creatures that inhabit the wilds of Vietnam. Southeast Asia is also home to aggressive tiger species, leopards, and bears. Those are just the traditional predators. There are also elephants, water buffaloes, and gaurs, giant cows, who will go on a murder rampage that an M-16 isn’t likely to stop.

***

A gaur is a 2200-lb/1,000 kg Vietnamese buffalo

A gaur chases a tiger

…..Marine with PTSD from Nam on what he endured

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FNDZkjIFCc

“This man has the eyes of someone that’s seen hell on earth. God bless our Vietnam Vets; they had it rough, man.” “Just by looking at his eyes tells more than any words he could ever speak to you! Gives me chills to the bone.”

Laurel Powell
2 weeks ago
The PTSD this Marine suffers from is all over his face. God help him. This broke my heart. I thank each and everyone of our Veterans for your service who is on here. Every time I see a Vet I thank them no matter where we are. God bless .

KohalaLover
8 days ago
Tony is quite a storyteller. He carries immense pain, of course. Thank you to Tony and all veterans that served our country.

Trial212
1 month ago
My dad was a WWII Marine. He survived the Pacific theater including Okinawa. In 2 days it will be a year since he left us at 99 years and 4 months old. I just want you to know that my dad always thought you grunts got fucked over in the worst way by the country you so proudly served. So “Semper Fi” from my deceased father and Thank You for telling your experience!!! Bryan Lee

Bill White
3 weeks ago
Tony, I am lucky I happened across your video. I went from DaNang to AnHoa, then to Delta 1/5 at the Horshoe on 2/19/69. I immediately heard about “Dying Delta”(and “Cryin ‘ Charlie”). After a patrol where a couple of our Marines were wounded by a booby trap, the enemy followed us back to our base camp, at the horseshoe. After some chow, we began readying the perimeter. Everything seemed normal, like a day at work. Suddenly they opened up on us with AKs, and an RPG exploded off to my left. I was certain I was dying. What heroism looks like to me was a Corpsman reaching me under fire and treating me. My marines rolled me into a poncho and carried me to a medivac Chinook, which took me to triage in DaNang. Then I went to Yokohama, Yakuska, then to the USA, finally to Oakland Naval Hospital. I eventually go a medical discharge. I always wished I could have let you all that I made it and express my thanks. I have carried guilt and shame about leaving my unit behind to this day. Seeing you talk on the video gave me a good feeling. I feel like I know you, but we might not have met since I was was new. Nice to see another survivor back in the world. SemperFi, brother. Bill
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martin Johnson
2 weeks ago
Considering what this man has been through his humanity and bravery shines through like a bright beacon. What a humble man. 100% respect from the UK.

roy murphy
3 weeks ago
Despite all the things he went through, he still has a sense of humor. Here, we can’t even take a joke. Thanks for your service.

paulo
1 month ago (edited)
The trauma, the pain this man has been carrying his whole life.. Good Lord…��

SevenSons Robinson
2 weeks ago (edited)
This is one of the most compelling stories I’ve heard a Nam Vet share. Literally thousands of Nam Vets don’t talk about what they went through and for good reasons. They carry everything deep within them because they know, for the most part, that if they told you, it would most likely scare the hell out of you at the least. They really don’t want you to feel their pain. What I really respect in his story is that he remembered the names of his Brothers and some of those he came into contact with and it is this that gives the deepest meaning to “We Will Not Forget”. Tony Blount, I stand and salute you my Brother. Peace

Nick Currin
2 weeks ago
Thank you Tony, and welcome home Marine. My Dad, John E. Currin was in country with 3rd Battalion 26th Marines 68-69. He was a Grunt, just like you. Wounded, 3 purple hearts. I never really got to talk with him about being over there, he understandably never wanted to talk about it except with his fellow Veteran Brothers. I lost my dad in 2016, he died doing what he loved most in life, riding his Harley. Thank you to all who served.

Gary Luck
1 month ago
I was there all of 67 . Thanks for your service and to everyone please remember the ones that didn’t come home!!!!

Jeff B
3 weeks ago
Tony in 1969 I was a freshman in high school. I’m forever grateful to men like you. Because of your service there was no draft in Spring of 1973 when I graduated. Thank you for sharing your experiences in that hell on earth. May we never forget what all of you who served in Vietnam sacrificed for all of us back home.

Max Capacity
2 weeks ago
May my children, my children’s children, and my children’s children’s children never know the suffering that this man has endured…….for us. Much respect.

Uncle Shagnasty
3 weeks ago
My Uncle Tommy fought in Burma during WW2 . He admitted the first time he was shot at in anger he hit the ground and tried digging into the dirt with his nose.. He got shouted at by a more experienced soldier and started fighting back. By the three years he was a grizzled old soldier of 22 years old with a fanatical hatred of the Japanese and no fear of anything. My family said he was a carefree young man at 18 and came back like 40 year old with a terrifying stare and no time for fools.

saiyan ninjawarriorz
1 month ago
This man has the eyes of someone that’s seen hell on earth. God bless our Vietnam Vets they had it rough man.

6412mars
3 weeks ago
My older brother came home missing a bunch of his face from Dak to 67..But mentally intact..some of his buddies on the other hand came back physically intact but whacked out of their minds..He always said those were the real casualties of that war..RIP big brother..A hero then and always my hero.

Rick Roller
3 weeks ago
How times have changed. I was in college from 1965 -1968. Everyone I knew hated the war and didn’t want to go. As a college student, if you didn’t make your grades or got in trouble and left college, you were drafted within a month or so. I graduated in June 1968 and was called up to the draft in August, 1968. Many of my high school and college friends were drafted and some never came home. That is a level of pressure today’s kids can’t even imagine.

Bob Johnson
3 weeks ago
Was in the Army in Cu Chi in ’67 – ’68. Can relate to so much of his story. And he’s right. You see guys go down all around you and wonder how the hell you’re still here. The luck of the draw. Weighs heavily on you. Glad he was able to survive.

evilchaperone
3 weeks ago
Thanks for telling your story. As a Marine vet, I have a massive amount of respect for the men that came before my time. And to those that never did come home physically and mentally.

Craig Nicolson
1 month ago
Utterly heartbreaking. Unfortunately our so called leaders (the rich elite) will continue to send young men to conflicts under some false banner of freedom. My greatest respect and sympathy goes out to this man and his brothers.

Randy Bedker
3 weeks ago
Thank you to all who served in Vietnam. You will have my respect as long as I am able.

curt gober
3 weeks ago
Thank you. My Dad was infantry was there in 65-66 as an Advisor. Went back in 69 for 14 days and was badly injured by a booby trap. Still has a piece of shrapnel 1/2 inch from his heart. 20’yrs in the Army. I don’t trust our government in any war ( I can’t help it), love the sacrifice and service of all military folks and their families.

Phin Al
2 weeks ago
It’s never too late to sincerely say, “Thank you for your service, Marine!”

Bill Ivory
2 weeks ago
I was with the First Marine Division just ahead of Tony right through the Tet Offensive supporting the Fifth Marine Regiment at Hue City.. Wish I could say thanks for the memories but I will say you don’t do yourself any service by stuffing what took place there completely out of memory. It happened. And I guess we are in some way privileged to give witness. God speed all of us

Ted Briggs
1 month ago
Welcome home sir. Few truly know your story but those who have lived it. You are not alone , Semper Fi.

aze216
1 month ago
One of the most compelling war experience interviews I’ve ever heard. Before any politicians start a war they need to watch this man’s story.

LK
3 weeks ago
What a great attitude. I loved his lightness of being but that pain was not far below the surface. It was my privilege to be able to hear his story. Thanks so much

Brian Quilty
3 weeks ago
I can’t imagine the fear, anxiety, and lose of human feelings this man went thru.

John Doody
1 month ago
Thank You for your service, I am a Jr …dad was there in 68, came home met, married mom adopted my 2 yr old sister and I was born in 71..lost my dad to alcohol in 84 ..he was 38…mom says he came home with Vietnam in tow..Always hoped to maybe meet someone that knew my dad over there..To all that served I thank you

retro440
2 weeks ago (edited)
Tony, God bless you and thank you for your service. I know “thank you for your service” falls short, but, it’s the best I can do. I’m a Vietnam era Army vet, no combat, but, had buddies who saw combat and were wounded. When I was separated from active duty (1964-1967), I was treated at the VA for survivor’s syndrome. I had guilt because I hadn’t been called upon to serve in the war. I can’t even imagine what you guys experienced. God bless you all.

Brent Barnhart
1 month ago
Thank you for your service Tony, your faith, and sharing. My son is a Marine. One of my best friends saw heavy action in Vietnam, he suffers from agent orange now. Destroyed his heart.

matthewkeaneone
1 month ago
The corrupt greedy political Hierarchy completely failed the vets serving in Vietnam . Thank you for your service to those who served

GlennHa
1 month ago
Thank you for your service. My dad served with Jimmy Stewart in the 8th AF during WW2….in a B-24 bomb group. Had a lot of praise for him.

Motorpapa
1 month ago
Thank you Tony for telling your story & for your service.

Carol Diehl
2 weeks ago
Thank you for sharing that. I know it still isn’t easy for you. I am the widow of a Vietnam Vet.He died 20 yrs ago this May 3rd. He definitely suffered from PTSD .Thanking you for your service really isn’t enough .Just God Bless You.❤

Lance C.
1 month ago
This man, as another person said, has been through absolute HELL!! Just by looking at his eyes; it tells more than any words he could ever speak to you!! Gives me chills to the bone.. God Bless this man; the many others who fought in this war!

Mickey White
2 weeks ago
This man represents the finest of our country, I can’t even fathom all the sacrifices he’s made, and all for other people…Warrior

Mango891
2 weeks ago
The pain that this poor man lives with, it shouldn’t be cast on anyone. I hope he and everyone else that experiences the trauma of war can find peace in their minds and hearts. No person in this time should ever be put in situations like this where they are emotionally, physically and mentally scared. Bless them all!

Paul Fulton
3 weeks ago
Thanks for your service! I can’t begin to imagine what you went through. My father in law was an army grunt over in Vietnam in ’67 and early 1968. He made it home, but he was really never the same. He had the same look in his eyes, as this vet in the video, as well as other Vietnam veterans I have met. The lingered look of horror, that remains, and stays with the person. Thanks again for your service sir!

tubemcg
1 month ago
Tony, God Bless you man. I was born July, 1953 with a lottery number 39. Got my draft notice in October, 1972 while I was a student at Ole Miss. I road a bus from Oxford, Mississippi to Memphis on a freezing day in November for my physical. I remember walking in to that big room you talked about – no smiling faces there. Long story short – my red green color deficiency may have saved my life – I did not have to serve. I can only barely imagine the horror that you and other young American men went through. What courage Sir. MG

Robert Kimber
1 month ago
All that pain, all that suffering, all for nothing. God damn the politicians who put all of those young men in that hell.

Brad Hathaway
3 weeks ago
God bless you sir! My Dad served in Vietnam and I always was proud of him for that!

mike wheeler
1 month ago
Hey Tony, thank you for your service, we might have bumped into each other over there, I also was in Delta 1/5, 3 platoon ( third herd ) arrived in country January 1969 Lieutenant Jim Webb was our platoon leader, I remember Liberty bridge, Quang Nam Province, “ Arizona Valley “ thank God we made it back to the “ The World “ Semper Fi Marine

72
The Vietnam Experience

User User
3 weeks ago
Such integrity and honor! I know it’s personally painful for you at a level most of us will never comprehend, but we needed hear it. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with the world.

Judy
8 days ago
Ah, sending much love, and a hug to each and every one of our ‘Nam vets. I love the way this good man tells us of his best friend, Dennis Michaels! My heart breaks for what you all endured. I was less than ten, but as I write, I’m wearing my Marine’s bracelet. He went to ‘Nam every time he went to sleep.

Maurice DeGroff
2 weeks ago
Very vividly described. I was six months behind you at 69. I guess the guy I replaced had just had his head blown off. I just didn’t go over there to kill people. I went nowhere with the hopes of helping the ones that were there that was the best I could do but I also volunteered just like you did after I got my draft notice and I am remember spending the night and foxholes thinking  is this true

1 month ago
I’m so grateful to have heard this man’s story. And how generous of him to share such a horrible, difficult experience with such honesty and grace.

Russell Carlson
1 month ago
My son will be out of the Marine Corp. this summer. He been there 4 years. I am very proud of him.

Shirley Le3
1 month ago
I’ve always looked up to Vietnam Veterans, Never understood the awful treatment they got coming Home, Most were drafted and made to go, The ones that deserve the Disrespect are the ones that ran across our borders. Welcome home thank god your alive.

M167A1
1 month ago
Tony is a member of VFW 11326, thank you for allowing our comrade to share his story.

Don Nash
2 weeks ago
The deepest respect to you Mr. Blount. Words directly from those who were there are priceless to us. You are amazing and the definition of courage.

1 month ago
So many of these Vets who served in Vietnam look and act to me like my Grandmother used to describe as… “rode hard and put away wet”. My own Dad was a Seabee with 3 tours in Vietnam and passed aged 53. He never spoke to us kids but my Uncle told me Dad said they were soaked head to toe often when they were transporting and pumping tanks full of defoliant. God grant these people rest from their heavy burdens and those who never returned.

Doug Schmidt
3 weeks ago
Born in 57 and never served I am truly grateful to you Tony Blount and all your fellow soldiers. May God bless all of you and continue to shine over you.

DudeSees
2 weeks ago
Forever grateful and in debt to you and all who fought!!

Chris Pedersen
1 month ago
Thank you for sharing your experiences and thank you for your service. I’m glad you made it back.

Hanover Fist
6 days ago
You can always tell a real veteran of these wars by the humility. Body count was never the deciding factor. It was the survival and the moments of struggle with trying to find something to give you pause. He’s so clear and so thankful to have survived it. God bless you, Marine. Semper Fi.

thomas ludwig
3 weeks ago
Thank you Tony Blount for sharing your experiences. Thank you for reminding us how horrible war is. We are all subject to fate and I was lucky, missing the draft by just one year as I was 17 in 1974. My heart has always gone out to those who weren’t so lucky. God bless you and other veterans who experienced the hell of war.

Rob924 Egan
1 month ago
Born in 1963. Watching t.v. and Seeing the silver caskets being unloaded from the planes are some early memories for me. Thanks to all that served!!

Arkady231
3 weeks ago
Great video and thank you for your service. My father fought his way through France and Germany in 1944-45 as a young major leading a company of signalmen to lay field telephone lines usually just behind the first couple of squadrons of tanks on the front line and frequently coming under German fire. He never talked much about what it was like. It is hard to conceive what they all went through.

John Loye
3 weeks ago
Thank You for your service Sir. Welcome Home. So glad that you made it home. I am sorry for those that you knew and all of the others who did not make it home. Thank You for being willing to share your experiences with us.

Raymond Bernier
1 month ago
The man is wearing a grenade pin on his neck chain. I missed Vietnam, joined in June of 1975 and was young and dumb enough to be angry about it at the time. Having served 23 years and long been retired from the military, I thank God for saving me from that grinder and giving me time to train and prepare.

Deidre Arnold
9 days ago
Thank you for sharing your story Tony. It is my pleasure to know you. You have such a heart for our communities, and are filled with much hope despite all you have been through in your life. Your heart and passion for others health and well-being is remarkable. Thank you for your service. I’m honored to know you.

3 weeks ago
God Bless you Sir. I’m sorry for what our Worthless ‘government’ needlessly put you through❤

Lexe
12 days ago

That first hand account was amazing. I liked hearing the actual terminology of a grunt. Vietnam had to be the scariest war to fight in. Hiding out on ambush in the mud and wet, just waiting for all hell to break lose. Crossing open fields knowing how vulnerable you was. Thanks for sharing that with all of us.