I was 18 years old when I arrived in Vietnam and 21 when I left 1001 days later. I spent most of that time in the Snake Platoon. I used to say that I had "grown up in Vietnam." In actuality, I "grew up" much later.

Back then, I fully subscribed to the "Domino Theory" and believed that the U.S. involvement in Vietnam was right. However good our intentions, though, I am certain now that our underlying assumptions were bad. History can be told from many perspectives, and I have not decided for myself whether America's involvement in Vietnam was just and proper, an error in judgment, or fundamentally wrong. But, I have never veered from my belief that the service men and women who participated in that effort did the right thing by going.

The biggest regret I have for my service in Vietnam is that I did not take the time to absorb enough of Vietnam's history, scenic beauty, and culture. My experiences there and the men of the Snake Platoon will always be a part of who I am. - Jim Graves