The 6 of us in the Sonar gang were donated to the FT's and GM's for the duration of our tour on the gunline. We covered the northern most point off the DMZ. All shore bombardment and danger close missions of North Vietnam. No hearing protection was issued. We tried to stuff cotton in our ears but it was of minimal protection. 28,000 rds later it was "I can't hear you" then and now. VA said they had no medical record of my hearing loss so they rejected my claim. At time of separation to go back into the active reserves, there was no hearing or other exam upon separation when we arrived back in Norfolk, VA. $5k later I had to buy hearing aids.
For anyone reading this regurgitation, don't forget to wear your hearing protection when shooting period.
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