WHO WERE THE RIVER RATS?

I would like to put the spotlight on Navy heroes that very few people know about.  Personally, I know TWO of these heroes.

Now, who were the River Rats?….GOOD QUESTION!!!

They were US Navy sailors who successfully fought the Viet Cong in small, fast patrol boats known as PBRs (which stands for Patrol Boat River). Over the years, MUCH has been done in film (TV/Movies/Documentaries) on the Vietnam War, but the contribution of these PBR sailors, who PROUDLY refer to themselves as “River Rats”, has been virtually ignored.  This is a story that TRULY needs to be told.  Their service, sacrifice, and gallantry deserve such recognition.

As an amateur historian (and the Veterans iERG’s Resident Historian), I have studied the Vietnam War for the past 40 years.  I know quite a bit about it, but even with all that study, I knew virtually nothing on this aspect of the war.  A few years ago, I read a VERY GOOD and eye-opening book entitled “Iron Butterfly”. It was authored by an actual PBR sailor, Chief James Davy, who I have since become good friends with. This book focuses on one unit, and that being River Division 593, referred to as “the Iron Butterfly”. This was a captivating and gripping read.  Although, it covers the heroics of just ONE River Division….it should be looked on as a representation of ALL the PBR units that served in Vietnam.

The River Rats patrolled the waterways of the Mekong Delta in thirty-one-foot patrol boats (crewed by 4) powered by Detroit diesel engines with water jet-propulsion (see photos). Armed with machine guns and grenade launchers, as well as sheer guts and determination, these sailors faced danger around every bend in the river. Working together, they became one of the finest weapons in the U.S Navy’s arsenal for turning back the tide of communist infiltration into Saigon (the then capital of South Vietnam). They accomplished all their missions and won their part of the Vietnam War. These men wore an iconic Black Beret, which would become their trademark. 

The average age of a Vietnam Veteran is now around 76.  As stated earlier, their story needs to be told, which is why I am putting the spotlight on their Service…so others may know about them.

Over the past years, I have had the privilege to meet and interact with actual PBR Veterans…with two becoming personal friends of mine.  As with most heroes, they are very humble about their service, and don’t see themselves as heroes, but HEROES they are!!

Some figures that speak VOLUMES to the gallantry of the PBR sailors in Vietnam:

• PBR sailors became the "most highly decorated naval command of the war".
• In 1968 alone, PBR sailors received:

1. 1 Medal of Honor.

2. 6 Navy Crosses.

3. 4 Legions of Merit.

4. 24 Silver Stars.

5. 290 Bronze Stars.

6. 363 Navy Commendation Medals.

7. More than 500 Purple Hearts.

8. … and scores of other decorations.

• During the entire conflict, two PBR sailors received the Medal of Honor, and fourteen received the Navy Cross. There were also numerous Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, and Purple Hearts awarded.
• One out of every three PBR sailors was wounded during their tour in Vietnam. 

Those numbers CLEARLY say a LOT!!!

If you would like to learn more about the River Rats, there is a great website with a wealth of information at www.tf116.org.  There are also several VERY GOOD books out there, including “Iron Butterfly” which I mentioned earlier

Thank you for letting me share.

Richard Fisher
I&D Veterans – Resident Historian

Eaton Corporation

Law – Global Trade Management