Veteran of Wars in Vietnam & Iraq
Felix Banis
Interviewed by:
Lindsey Cahill and Hailey Richardson
1971
2017
" And then after that when people die, you just realize there’s a
good possibility I’m not gonna get out of it. "
~ Felix Banis (6:58)
Name:
Felix "Buch" Banis
Date of Birth:
February 28, 1948
Branch of Service:
Army
Dates of Service:
1969 to 1991
Location of Military Service:
Vietnam and Iraq
Residence at Time of Interview:
Brewster, MA
Felix Banis' Story:
Felix Banis is a man that has endured many hardships while putting his own life at risk in order to defend our country. Felix is a retired Army veteran who served several years in the United States Armed Forces. Inspired by his father, he knew at age four he wanted to join the army and by age 25 he was working in bomb disposal during the war in Vietnam.
Upon arrival in Vietnam, Felix was rushed off the plane into a small bus, and then a jeep; which took him to the base. During training, he was taught only to use a specific rifle, but soon after arrival, he learned that this rifle was no longer available, making him unprepared for the brutal war ahead of him. His first impression was the vivid memory of being struck by the intoxicating scent of the jungle from the moist air and heat of the atmosphere. However, the weather wouldn’t be the only challenge he faced during his time in Vietnam. Among his biggest hardships was the day half his men died, and another being when he worked with the Vietnamese army that was overrun during TET 68. More challenging still was his time served in Saigon, Vietnam due to the brutal weather conditions.
He continued his service in Iraq during The Persian War (Desert Storm 1990-1991). The next several months in Iraq consisted of battling through the brutal desert weather in order to survive. Imagine not being able to take a hot shower every day after a long twenty hour work day? He had to drink water constantly as the sun would drain the moisture out of his body leaving him constantly dehydrated. For many veterans like Felix, this was a way of life, as Iraq was deprived of many of the resources that are used in a typical daily routine.
Looking back on both wars, it was better for Felix in Iraq, even though the weather was constantly affecting his ability to perform as a soldier. Vietnam consisted of always being on guard and never feeling safe, which is a feeling Felix never wants to feel again. Throughout his journey at war, Felix faced many obstacles that caused him pain, but even with this pain, he claims he would still choose to do it all over again, making him a true hero to this country. During our interview with Felix, he displayed many of the values and beliefs that our military expresses today, and he stated without hesitation that he would do it all over again in order to protect our country.
Screenshot of security footage that was taken in Iraq taken in February of 1991, Felix is standing at the head of the table.
Map of the advancements of the American troops during Operation Desert Storm (Persian Gulf War).
Above see transport vehicles Felix rode in while in Vietnam.
( Left) While Felix was deployed, back in the states there was a bomb factory discovered in the basement of a man who was part of the Black Panther Party. "Found was army-issue carbine, a shotgun, a pistol, 13 boxes of ammunition, smoke grenades, gas masks, gunpowder and other chemicals used for making bombs, plus a large quantity of literature dealing with bomb making [...]" -Chicago Tribune
This is a newspaper article written about Miss Berndine Dohrn who was a part of the Weatherman terrorist group. She was wanted for bombing attacks, which sparked the interest of Felix because he was working in bomb disposal. More articles about her are pictured below in the resource folder.
This article explains how landmines were stolen from the army providing ground again during his time of service.
This is his name tag that is pinned onto his uniform.
This is a map of Vietnam.
Felix spent most of his time serving in Saigon.
This is a video explaining the job Felix specialized in; bomb disposal.
