“We really went out of our way to protect the civilians. Even though that wasn't a written rule that we were there for, we were there to intercept the enemy. We spent most of our time protecting the civilians,” Lieutenant Virgil Erwin shared during the 2011 Swift Boat Sailors Association Reunion in San Antonio, Texas. A United States Navy Memorial film crew had the honor of attending the reunion to record the memories of the members of the Association. Lieutenant Erwin recounted his experiences serving as the Officer in Charge of Swift Boat PCF 67 with vivid detail. He recalled his crew’s interaction with the people of South Vietnam by sharing, “In some cases rescuing them from storms at sea or helping them if a sanpan turned over. Helping them get medical attention, we would take doctors to the villages in the rivers and the doctors would perform clinics.” These additional efforts would solidify positive relationships with the local populations.

Erwin also shared memories about his crew and fellow sailors. “There was a lot of camaraderie,” Erwin recalled, “...if a boat got in trouble; typically every Swift Boat that was close by would come and try and help and that would be a singular priority.” His memories of the brotherhood of the Swift Boat Sailors resonated throughout his interview, especially when he shared his experiences as Officer in Charge on April 12, 1967.

 This mission would be code named Operation Silver Mace II. The action that would take place and the subsequent rescue efforts that would transpire would show the unbreakable bond between sailors of the Swift Boats. Erwin recounted, “This was probably the largest Swift Boat Operation in Vietnam...it was called Operation Silver Mace and we had 13 Swift Boats. We had 240 Vietnamese Marines from the 6th Battalion and 10 UDT guys...and 2 Sea Wolf Helicopters.” He shared, “Our objective was to go into a river called the Duong Keo to search for Viet Cong.” The events that unfolded would leave a lasting impact on all those who participated and show the brotherhood of the Swift Boat Sailors refusing to leave one of their own behind.

To hear the inspiring story of Vietnam War Veteran Lieutenant Virgil Erwin come alive; view his detailed experience that has been digitally archived by the Navy Memorial.

The United States Navy Memorial honors Lieutenant Virgil Erwin, featured within the series titled, Stories of Service, Story of the Month. Each month, this series honors a Veteran’s story recorded by the Stories of Service Program at the Navy Memorial.