• PugJesus@kbin.socialOPM
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    10 months ago

    My grandfather was part of the US Marine Corps during Vietnam, and he says that no one wanted to be inside their M113 during a crossing out of fear that if it sank or the river current worsened, you’d be trapped inside and drown.

    Don’t know if that’s a reasonable fear or not, but it’s an interesting piece of what soldiers fear in wartime.

    • SSTF@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      There’s been enough documented incidents of soldiers drowning in armored vehicles to call it a reasonable fear. Especially if the vehicle rolls over, that can be a very bad situation.

    • Established_Trial@lemm.ee
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      10 months ago

      Wow! I can’t say I blame them as I feel the exact same way just thinking about it. People like your grandfather were more badass than we give them credit for

      • PugJesus@kbin.socialOPM
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        10 months ago

        I’m glad my grandfather came away from the war much as my great-uncles said he was before it - a sweet, kind, silly guy who enjoys cheesy action and horror movies and loves my grandmother to death. I’m blessed to have him.