Who’s Bobby Pappas? What was his condition when Chick Donohue found him in Vietnam?
When John “Chick” Donohue made an epic beer run to Vietnam during the war, he planned to drop in on his pal Bobby Pappas. He wanted to bring him news and encouragement from home. But, first, Chick had to make sure Bobby was still alive.
Keep reading for an overview of Bobby Pappas (The Greatest Beer Run Ever).
Bobby Pappas
Bobby Pappas, The Greatest Beer Run Ever explains, was one of several buddies that Chick Donohue went to find in Vietnam. Bobby was a communications specialist at a substantial military installation at Long Binh, which had recently been attacked. Chick hoped to find his friend alive and well. Chick gained entry to the base by convincing the gate MPs with his seaman papers and asserting that Bobby Pappas was his step-sibling.
Upon entering, Chick was guided to the subterranean communications bunker where Bobby was positioned. Bobby was shocked to see Chick. Chick told Bobby he was there to deliver a beer on behalf of their mutual friends in appreciation for Bobby’s service.
While Bobby wrapped up his tasks, the two friends talked about recent events in New York and military operations in Vietnam as well as updates regarding Bobby’s family. Bobby described the assaults that occurred in the early hours, watching missiles hit a landing strip and anticipating their depot would be the next target.
When he completed his shift, Bobby took Chick to his tent and provided him with additional uniforms to help him blend in on the military base. They went to the PX where they bought a military-style jacket and had it embroidered to clearly indicate that Chick was a civilian, not a soldier, by adding the inscriptions “Chick Donohue” and “Civilian.”
Bobby shared with Chick his eagerness to return home to see his son utter his first words. He expressed his concerns about the nearby ammunition storage, which was often targeted by enemy forces. Bobby outlined the base’s defenses and the strategic significance of the nearby air base at Bien Hoa.
Chick and Bobby Pappas went to the enlisted men’s club, where Bobby (a sergeant) could use the dining facilities. They had to be cautious with their language at the bar, especially since Bobby’s commanding officer was present and he disapproved of swearing. Bobby’s commanding officer remarked on Chick’s civilian status, noting that Chick’s arrival coincided with his ship’s docking and his presence at the embassy during an attack.
Chick spent an entire day with Bobby in the communications bunker. They also visited a bar popular among GIs, where they shared more stories and mingled with Bobby’s friends. Chick and Bobby concluded their time together by making plans to celebrate at a local pub when Bobby came back from the war.
