Larry Edward Swanson
Larry Edward Swanson was born on 13 Aug 1952 in Madison, Dane, in Wisconsin as the second child of Larry C (Dockstader) Swanson and Marilyn Jean (Wegert) (Swanson) Schanel.
I honor my brother's service.
by Jerry Dean Swanson
Larry Edward Swanson, 74, born August 13, 1952 and passed October 31, 2026.
Larry did not talk too much about his time in Vietnam, but when he did, it was always a sentence or two. These are some stories Larry shared with me. All are only snippets of those days because they are short mentions. VERY short.
When Larry enlisted, his original training was for the Military Police and that was the assignment he expected when they landed in Vietnam in 1971. When his unit arrived, they were ordered into formation on the tarmac so they could assign their MP posting location.
He explained how they made the assignments in alphabetical order. So, by the time got down to the "S’s", they had run out of assignments. They assigned Larry and the other remaining soldiers to the AirCav Intel Office, where he aided in the translation and forwarding of messages. He also called-in artillery strikes for locations requesting them.
Bearcat Base was a U.S. Army base near the city of Biên Hòa in Đồng Nai Province in southern Vietnam.
The Huey helicopter forces were in short supply of crew, so Larry and a couple of his friends were volunteered. After only a few hours of training, Larry became a Door Gunner in a Huey. This is not Larry in the photo, but it does illustrate his job.
Boeing CH-47 Chinook in Vietnam
Larry tells me of how he and many fellow soldiers were due for some rest and relaxation, and were to be flown in a Chinook Heli to a location near the beach in the south. Just before departure, he was asked if he would stay behind to assist in another duty. He volunteered.
The Chinook took off with his 34 friends. It subsequently crashed, and killed all aboard.
Larry wonders why he was spared and the guilt remained all his life.
Bearcat Base, Vietnam
At this time, the North Vietnam forces had just crossed the border into the south in their advance. 
Larry with Winnie. At 2021 EAA, next to a AirCav Huey...similar to the aircraft he flew and fought with.
Back home, we had no idea what Larry was doing in Vietnam. Sometimes we would exchange cassette tapes with news and stuff. Larry let us all believe he was over there doing normal MP duties. We never knew of the nature of his service there...until years later.
Larry told of how, when he was coming home, it was suggested he remove his uniform so as to avoid the war protestors at the airport. That was something that stung Larry all of his life.
After he left Vietnam in 1972, Larry continued his military service, being stationed in Hawaii, Texas, and Belgium. He later retired from the service. After a few jobs, he became a postman in Madison, WI. He retired from there as well.
After many years of struggling with PTSD, and refusing just about all social interactions with anyone for over 17 years, he was gifted Winnie by Custom Canines of Madison, WI (link below). Later, Winnie would accompany Larry on an Honor Flight to Washington.
Later, he moved to Texas and later married Monica (his first wife) and they lived in New Braunfels, TX.
So...After prolonged heart, breathing, and other health issues, he passed on October 31, 2026. Details of his services will be announced soon. He is planned to be buried at the Sam Houston National Cemetery, in San Antonio.
My FAVORITE Little Brother...will be missed so!
He has our highest thoughts and love!
Lori and Jerry
Larry received Winnie from
Custom Canines Service Dog Academy in Madison, WI...HERE....
This is a link to a video made with Larry and Winnie only about a week ago...HERE...
1972
Larry in his Hooch adding photos to his album. 1971.
Larry with Mia, his first Service Dog, in 2011.
Mia passed in 2021. Larry Loved his Harley...and he dressed the part!
Larry with Winnie, Honor Flight to Washington.
2022
Thank you for your Service Larry!
Never Forget!