01-05-2025
Local veteran reflects on Vietnam War: ‘Never ended for us'
NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio (WJW) – The solemn 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon is stirring memories for a local decorated Vietnam combat veteran.
Rick Adler was drafted into the Army in 1969 and served with the Americal Division, 11th Light Infantry Brigade Jungle Warriors.
His walls at his home in North Ridgeville are adorned with multiple military honors including a Purple Heart and Silver Star for Gallantry in Action, but he says one is more important to him than the others.
'The one I'm most proud of is CIB which is a Combat Infantry Badge because I was there. I did it because I and all the guys I served with weren't about medals. It was about making sure this guy and that guy made it, that's all we cared about,' said Adler.
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While April 30, 1975, is considered the day the Vietnam War ended, Adler said he thinks about the 58,000 who died and also all of those who served in a country whose lives were forever changed.
'I don't think of the fall of Saigon. What I think of is how the war has never ended for the Vietnam veterans and especially the guys who were in combat. That's never ended for us,' he said. 'That war is always there and it will never end for me until I take my last breath.'
Adler survived routine attacks and one horrific eight-hour ambush that killed 64 out of 110 U.S. soldiers.
He was severely wounded after being struck three times by fragments from mortar shells, but he continued to fight until being removed from the battlefield by a friend just before another mortar went off near him.
'The mortar exploded right where I was,' he said.
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But after being hospitalized for 60 days, he returned to the battlefield.
He hopes all Americans will take this time to not only think about the fall of Saigon, but also to recognize and appreciate all soldiers and service members who defend this country.
'If it wasn't for veterans, there would be no United States. Sure, we have our problems, but there is no better place to live,' he said. 'Be grateful and never forget them and always honor them.'
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