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Local veteran has returned to Vietnam nearly 20 times to help humanitarian efforts

In a reflection on a shadowbox containing his medals and ribbons, Roger Helle talks about his service in the Vietnam War at his home Friday, October 12, 2018 in Ringgold, Ga. Helle was in the United States Marine Corps and suffered life-threatening injuries during his third tour.
In a reflection on a shadowbox containing his medals and ribbons, Roger Helle talks about his service in the Vietnam War at his home Friday, October 12, 2018 in Ringgold, Ga. Helle was in the United States Marine Corps and suffered life-threatening injuries during his third tour. In a reflection on a shadowbox containing his medals and ribbons, Roger Helle talks about his service in the Vietnam War at his home Friday, October 12, 2018 in Ringgold, Ga. Helle was in the United States Marine Corps and suffered life-threatening injuries during his third tour.

By Mark Pace 4 min read

BIO

Name: Roger HelleAge: 71Branch of military: U.S. MarinesYears of service: 1965-1971

View our 21 Veteran Salute page

Roger Helle knew he needed to go back.

He had left Vietnam 15 years prior for what he thought was the last time, battered and broken. The U.S. Marine sergeant had watched as nearly his entire platoon was killed ahead of him. Later, he was injured after a grenade exploded yards away, filling him with shrapnel.

Helle underwent 26 operations in nine months. At one point, he heard a doctor tell his identical twin brother – who is also a decorated veteran once recommended for the Medal of Honor – he would die. He prayed that night despite not being a religious man at the time. He asked God to save him.

Helle lived.