For Charles Armitage, a Vietnam War veteran who served as an M60 machine gunner while attached to Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, this was a reality he witnessed first-hand. In January 1969, Armitage was confronted with the reality of his precarious situation in the course of a battle that was to be the last. It is a story worth recounting as we celebrate Vietnam Veterans Day through the lens of valor in this episode of Stories of Valor.
Charles Armitage enlisted in the military in 1968 as part of the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his training, he was deployed to Vietnam in October of the same year as a part of the Mike Company. As a machine gunner, Armitage was tasked with providing cover and support for his fellow Marines during combat operations. His weapon, an M60 machine gun, was a vital piece of equipment for an infantry unit operating in the jungles of Vietnam.
Armitage recounts a particular battle in January 1969 where his life took a dramatic and unexpected turn. His unit was tasked with securing a hill in the Quang Tri province, a location known to harbor enemy fighters. The plan was to secure the hill and set up a perimeter to deter enemy forces from attacking. However, the plan was quickly thrown into disarray when Armitage’s unit came under heavy fire from enemy positions on the nearby hilltop.
As the machine gunner, Armitage rose to the challenge, laying down suppressive fire that allowed his fellow Marines to maneuver and take cover. However, it did not take long for the enemy to zero in on his position, and the hail of bullets that hit him in the ensuing firefight left him incapacitated. With his injuries, the medical corpsman determined that his condition was beyond recovery, and that he was to be marked as “killed in action.”
Armitage’s irreparable condition was confirmed by the physicians, who felt helpless in their ability to save him. It was in despair that they called for a toe tag to be placed around his foot. The tag bore the grim diagnosis: “Killed in Action.” For Armitage, this was a tragic end to a brief but memorable service in the military.
However, fate had other plans, and the medical team had one last hope. Driven to salvage any glimmer of hope, they moved him to a safer location and started administering emergency first aid. Weeks later, Armitage awoke in a military hospital in Japan, with the memories of that fateful day still fresh in his mind.
The Vietnam War was a challenging time for many American servicemen and women who found themselves thrust into a haunting conflict. For Armitage, who served as a machine gunner, the intensity of the conflict was sharp and visceral. His experience typifies the challenges that many American service members faced during the conflict, often operating in hostile territory, facing impossible odds against the aggressive Viet Cong insurgents.
Armitage’s story is one of resilience, courage and determination, which are hallmarks of veterans across the United States. As a Vietnam War veteran, Armitage represents a generation of distinguished veterans who put everything on the line to protect their country, their fellow service members and their way of life.
As we celebrate Vietnam Veterans Day, Armitage’s story is a reminder that the sacrifices of America’s veterans should never be forgotten. Their contributions have helped to shape our nation, and the bravery and courage they exhibited will forever be remembered. U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Private First Class Charles Armitage’s story is but one example of the countless acts of valor in combat that have helped to define our understanding of the Vietnam War, and the dedication of America’s fighting men and women to serving their country.
Many Vietnam War veterans carry the scars of their service to this day, both physical and emotional. Yet, their contributions must never be overlooked or diminished. We owe a debt of gratitude to these brave men and women who stepped up to serve their country in a time of conflict and uncertainty. Let us take the time to recognize their sacrifice and to honor the valor they showed on the battlefield.
In conclusion, Charles Armitage’s story is one of courage, resilience and determination, and is reflective of the experiences of many Vietnam War veterans. As we celebrate Vietnam Veterans Day, it is crucial to recognize and honor the sacrifices made by these outstanding individuals in service to our country. The acts of valor they exhibited continue to inspire and motivate generations of Americans to this day, and their legacy will forever be a vital part of the fabric of our nation. May we never forget their contributions, and may their courage and bravery never be forgotten.
