Coincidences with Family Roots

While my dad was attending a church conference in Saigon during the Vietnam war, there standing on the corner was my cousin Johnny Johnson (on left), also serving in the war.

Just as I was entering my teenage years, my dad—who had built a career in the Army—was deployed to Vietnam during the height of the conflict. I remember that time vividly: the deep concern our family felt for his safety, the countless prayers we offered on his behalf, and the support and faith of our church community. I especially remember Bishop Anderson organizing a special fast within our ward for my dad’s protection. (For more about Bishop Anderson, see 10: Unexpected Trailer Breakdown in Sandy, Utah: Former Bishop’s Kind Rescue)

Not long after that fast, we received word that my dad had been transferred out of the jungle to a supply depot. His new assignment shifted from frontline combat to running helicopter missions—delivering supplies and bringing back the dead and wounded. Throughout his time in Vietnam, he experienced many miracles and remarkable “coincidences,” a couple of which I would like to share. In my dad’s life history, he writes about these and frequently acknowledges the hand of the Lord in his protection. We were grateful to see him safely home.

The Miracle Transfer

Dad had been serving on the battlefield in the jungles for some time as a First Sergeant of his company. One evening, he had a long conversation with his captain, Captain Cato, with whom he shared a tent. They discussed Dad’s background and skills in supply and logistics, and wondered if there might be a position available within the division where those skills could be better used. Captain Cato advised him to catch the first helicopter to Saigon the next morning to check with personnel about any available assignments. He also told Dad to take all of his gear with him—because there was a chance he might not be coming back. He writes:

Personnel looked over my records and said there was an opening in my grade and MOS in the 3rd Brigade Headquarters at Lai Kai. They awarded me my old MOS back and withdrew the 1st Sgt MOS, just like that. Now you may not think the Lord had a hand in this assignment, but I am convinced that he did. I went back to Phou Vinh base camp to get the rest of my personal stuff, and was on my way to my new assignment in Lai Kai. About ten days after I left Co B, 28th Inf. they got into a terrible firefight with the VC. Captain Cato was seriously wounded, loosing one of his legs, and the company sustained about 25 killed or wounded in action. I just know that I was at the right place at the right time, and I know that there was someone watching over me so that I would return home to my family.

When Dad reported to Lai Kai, ‘coincidentally’, he reported directly to an old friend from the Idaho State ROTC program in Pocatello where he had served some years before.

As I walked into the office, “who” in the entire world I would ever expect to be sitting at the desk was Major Ashby. He and I were stationed together at ISC in Pocatello in the mid fifties. He was better known as Lt. Ashby. In fact, we lived on the same street in Pocatello…We hunted and fished together and he and I became very good friends.

As I walked in he came out of his chair and greeted me with open arms and hugs. Now this was not real military protocl, a Major greeting a MSgt like this. Colonel Irons, the Brigade Commander, and several other officers were present, but at that moment we greeted each other as long lost friends. Major Ashby explained that we had been assigned together before. For the reminder of my time in Vietnam, Major Ashby was my boss and we worked great together. Now don’t you think the Lord had a hand in getting me this assignment?

-Gene Hansen

Meeting his nephew Johnny Johnson in Saigon

My dad was grateful when he had moments where he could go to church and worship. A special experience for him was attending a church conference in Saigon and his surprise meeting with his nephew, Johnny Johnson. My dad was the youngest by far in his family. So, his older nieces and nephews like Johnny were like younger brothers and sisters to him. They meant a lot to him and to have the chance meeting with Johnny was one of those tender mercies afforded my dad as he served in Vietnam. From his life history:

There were several in our helicopter units that were members and arrangements were made to stop at our base camp to take us into Saigon when they had conferences…It was unreal to see these guys coming into Church with their combat gear on, and would take their rifles and stack them into the corner of the room. The opportunity was there for me to worship, and was a wonderful experience to be able to attend and feel the Spirit…

Another thing happened that you would never believe. At this conference, I took just a little walk down the street, and standing on the corner was my nephew, Johnny Johnson. We embraced each other. Neither one of us knew we were in Vietnam, 10,000 miles away standing on a street corner. What a small world.

-Gene Hansen

The Honor Wall at Idaho State ROTC

My son-in-law, Eric Silk, serves as a department head in the pharmacy school at Idaho State University. During a trip to Pocatello for a series of college meetings, he happened to meet a Captain from the university’s ROTC program. As they struck up a conversation, Eric learned that the ROTC was planning to create an honor wall to commemorate those who had served in the program over the years.

Knowing about my father’s involvement with ROTC during its early days in the 1950s, Eric shared that history with the Captain. This connection led to me being contacted to provide photos and information about my father’s service. We were honored to be invited to the unveiling of the new honor wall.

It was a truly wonderful experience to be part of this special event, and to see my father’s contributions to both our country and the ROTC program at Idaho State recognized and remembered.

Retirement

After Vietnam, my dad was assigned to Ft Hood, Texas where he was the highest ranking non-commissioned officer on the base. All inspections at the base were reviewed by him. After nine months at Ft Hood, he was called up again to serve in Vietnam, to which he declined and retired. He had served over twenty years and was in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He had earned a number of medals, including a Bronze Star and Air Medal for meritorious service in combat. It was time.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Many years later, my older brother Gaylen and his wife Colleen took Dad and Mom to Washington D.C. to see the sites. Top on my dad’s list was to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It’s a U.S. national memorial dedicated to the service members of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Vietnam War. The memorial features two black granite walls engraved with the names of those who lost their lives or remain missing as a result of their service. Shown here is my dad reviewing the names of his lost comrades and his emotional reaction.

Gene Arden Hansen: March 25, 1931 – April 29, 2014

References

• Family records
• 75 Years of Memories Gene Hansen 1931-2006