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Vietnam Nightmare: Vet Shot During Flashback

By The Associated Press

The Associated Press N.Y. 6/24/92

Dundee—A former Marine captain who survived two years in the jungles of Vietnam was shot to death by police after a blow to the head induced hallucinations that he was back among the enemy.

Dennis Bastin, described by relatives as "a gentle, loving man," was killed Saturday by a gunshot to the chest after firing a single load of buckshot at state troopers, police said.

Bastin, who served during Vietnam War with the 18th Reconnaissance Unit, was plunged back into wartime last Wednesday when he was hit by a rock in the forehead and knocked unconscious while mowing his lawn, police said.

He woke up speaking Vietnamese and attacked ambulance attendants and medical personnel trying to help him, said Yates County Undersheriff Richard Ackerman.

"It took eight of us to get him in the ambulance and then we had to tie him down," said an ambulance worker who asked not to be identified.

Bastin, a registered nurse and licensed physician's assistant, was restrained, and then received stitches and medicine at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital in Penn Yan.

By late Thursday, he appeared to have overcome the episodes: he had no memory of being hit by the rock or of his violent behavior, according to his wife, Tobin. But 24 hours later, the ex-Marine became aggressive again.

Early Saturday, Ackerman said Bastin covered himself in camouflage paint and clothing, wrapped a banana around his head and a rope around his chest, and began speaking Vietnamese.

Armed with a 16-gauge shotgun, a 9mm pistol, a machete and a supply of ammunition, he went to the wooded area 55 miles south of Rochester where he later was killed during a standoff with state police.

"He was the perfect picture of Rambo, right down to the rope around his body," said coroner Gary Boardman.