Honor Flight San Diego returns from Washington with Vietnam War era U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators

CBS 8's Abbie Black was embedded on the flight that took the veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit their memorials built for their service and sacrifice.

"I served my country and I'm very proud of it and this honor flight tour that I'm on with NSW (Naval Special Warfare) just tells me is quite honorable," said Gene Gluhareff, UDT 21. 

This is the first of its kind trip in the 19 years that Honor Flight Network has existed. All but two of the veterans on the flight served during Vietnam when the U.S. Navy SEAL’s were created. Before the Vietnam War they were considered the Underwater Demolition Team (UDT), Frogmen and “Boat Guys”. Two veterans served during the Korean War.

During the five hour flight to Baltimore, veterans opened 7,000 pieces of mail that were written and drawn from across the country. They grew emotional as many opened letters from their loved ones.

"There is a lot behind this when you read something like this. It’s not just a veteran it’s your whole life coming forward form that point to now," said retired U.S. Navy SEAL Captain James Maginn. 

For a handful of veterans this, was their first time visiting the memorials, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

"It's nothing compared to seeing it in person, it has to be experienced in person for the reality, for it to hit you," said Nehl.

Most of their clandestine missions stayed out of the public eye but the operators experienced dangerous missions in the jungles and rivers of Vietnam; as a result, 55 U.S. Navy Special Warfare Operators were killed in action or training during the Vietnam War.

"You come here with the intent to pay your respect and that respect overwhelms you to realize that over 58,000 American lives were cut short because of a political war," said retired Master Chief Kirby Horrell, U.S. Navy SEAL. 

Coronado has always been home to the West Coast Navy SEAL Teams, the Underwater Demolition Teams, and supporting special boat crewmen.

Many veterans on the flight have been honored for their bravery with medals of valor, including Medal of Honor recipient Michael Thornton, who was on the flight. He was awarded the military’s highest decoration for saving the life of his senior officer, Lt. Thomas Norris.

" I didn't go to Vietnam for accolades or, or, or medals. I went to Vietnam because my country asked me to go to," said Thornton.

The three-day trip costs about $310,000 and it is 100% donor funded. The veterans travel at no cost to them.

On Sunday, Honor Flight San Diego returned for an emotional homecoming. More than 800 people welcomed home America’s heroes who did not receive the homecoming they deserved more than 50 years ago during the unpopular war. 

"We wanted this years ago this took me by surprise," said retired Master Chief Dodd Coutts, U.S. Navy SEAL.  "I got beat spit on everything that went bad went wrong, this makes up for it." 

The veterans say the trip helped heal wounds they buried for years.

"A lot of healing has taken place and looking forward to getting home and getting a deep breath so I can move on it," said Coutts

 U.S. Navy Seal Team One, Zulu Platoon

'One more mission' | Navy Seals and members of Zulu Platoon Marcus Arroyo, Gary Lawrence and James Rowland discuss their experiences in Vietnam during a mission in 1971.

Dr. Pha Le

'Their efforts were not for nothing' | Dr. Pha Le shares his experience growing up in South Vietnam and why he feels so close with the members of U.S. Navy Seal Team One.