U.S. Army 1967 – 69



Branch and dates of service:Army, drafted Aug. 4th ’67. Basic at Fort Dix, NJ, AIT at Fort Jackson, SC, went to Viet Nam Jan.’68-Jan.’69. served in the Infantry; A Company, 1st of the 14th Inf., 3rd Brigade, 4th Inf. Div.(11 months, 28 days). Fort Gordon Jan. ’69- Aug. ’69.(Co. B 3rd Bn Stu Bde USASESS 3rd US Army) discharged Aug.1st ’69

Highest rank:Sgt. E-5 hard stripe. 11B40

Awards and decorations: ACM, VIET NAM SERVICE MEDAL, VIET NAM CAMPAIGN RIBBON, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, COMBAT INFANTRY MANS BADGE, SHARP SHOOTER(rifle), 2 O/S BARS

Most memorable military Experience: I guess that would be the day I left Vietnam, Cam Rahn Bay, the feeling as the plane fell silent as we turned at the end of the runway, the engines revved and we went down the tarmac with flares and tracers going off in the distance some soldiers sobbing, wondering, I am sure, if the plane would indeed leave, as we had been delayed several times, and then as the plane lifted off, a great outburst as tensions released and everyone started to celebrate our safe tour of duty and then a bit of silence again as we remembered those who were still there fighting. Relief to be gone but caring for those who still had time to serve and for those we knew, who didn’t make it.