What They Don’t Tell You About Driving Tanks in Vietnam

Butch Underwood was just 17 years old when he enlisted in the U.S. Army and volunteered to serve as a tank driver in Vietnam.In this unfiltered conversation, Butch shares what it was really like fighting in one of the most dangerous roles in the war—riding inside a 52-ton tank through jungles, minefields, and ambushes. From his very first firefight to being wounded in combat, his story reveals the harsh realities young soldiers faced daily.

But the war didn’t end when he came home. Butch opens up about PTSD, opioid addiction, and the long road to recovery—losing friends, family struggles, and ultimately finding peace later in life. His story is one of survival, accountability, and redemption.If you believe these stories matter, please like, subscribe, and share to help preserve the voices of those who served.

👉 If you’re a Veteran struggling with VA benefits, click this link in to schedule a free consultation: https://crm.zoho.com/bookings/YourFreeConsultationwithAskaVetMedGroup?rid=e9b38e78cb91065c1fe320a7ded78fbd8bba8f49d0461551777fc2994529c25a57fa5b8c5b5a0967c3c2b0d295b2b223gid8b25e599eed0bfe92c1438b980632c02b6ed9488ec5e11f8c6677be7ffc43cec

⏱️ CHAPTERS:

1:45 – Growing up in poverty & losing his father

4:30 – Enlisting at 17 & choosing tanks

6:00 – Training on the M60 tank

8:00 – Arriving in Vietnam & first impressions

10:30 – First firefight & free fire zone mistake

13:30 – Life on a tank: missions, ambushes, and survival

16:30 – Landmines & the dangers of being a driver

18:30 – Final mission & getting wounded

21:00 – Hospital experience & meeting General Abrams

23:00 – Opioid addiction begins

25:30 – Coming home & silence after the war

27:30 – PTSD, breakdown, and losing control

30:00 – 20+ years of opioid addiction

32:30 – Losing friends to overdoses & quitting cold turkey

34:30 – Divorce, family loss, and personal rock bottom

36:30 – Finding love again & rebuilding life

38:00 – Honor Flight & finally feeling welcomed home

40:00 – Advice for veterans struggling with PTSD & addiction

If you or a Veteran you know has a story that should be heard, we'd love to hear from you at [email protected].