Sexo

Male

Fecha de Nacimiento

1944-9-2

Lugar de Nacimiento

Tule Lake CA, U.S.A.

Inducted

, Cleveland OH

Tipo de Alistamiento

Draftee

Afiliación Militar

Army

Tipo de servicio prestado

War

Tipo de unidad militar

Combat

Unidades a las que sirvió

196th Light Infantry Brigade American Calvalry Division

Especialidad militar

Combat radio communications repair.

Asignado

Ft. Jackson, S.C.; Ft. Benning, Ga.; Ft. Devons, Mass.; Tay Ninh, Vietnam; Chu Lai, Vietnam.

Retirado

Oakland CA

Responsabilidad en la unidad

Occupation and territory security in Tay Ninh; Air field security in Chu Lai.

Responsabilidad individual

Radio and communications repair; Radioman for company commander.

Batallas principales (si sirvió en una zona de guerra)

Iron Triangle

Reconocimientos, medallas, menciones (individuales o de la unidad)

Combat Infantryman's Badge; Vietnam Service Medals; Unit Citation - Rescue Mission.

Condiciones de Vida

Vietnam base camp was life in a tent and canvas cot. Field operations was life under a poncho, no bath for the duration of the operation which could be weeks and up to a month. C-rations for 2 to 3 meals a day. Constant life and death awareness. Sleep only in 2 hour intervals every night. No hot water, no running water, no toilets. Mail may take weeks, always out of sequence. Constant frustrations, R&R went to Hong Kong & Tokyo. Didn't have enough money to do anything.

Recuerdo más vívido de la experiencia militar

I found out what Hell was like. I lived it. I lost a lot of faith in America and what we were doing there, I wish I could say I was proud of what I did there. I am proud that I had the chance to show my belief in this country - not its politicians.

Lo que más extraño durante su tiempo en las fuerzas armadas

My girlfriend and wife; a good hot meal and bath.

¿En lo personal, qué obtuvo de su experiencia militar?

The military helped me mature faster and gave me the determination to make something of myself, go to school, raise a family, and enjoy life. The military can help many in time of peace and destroy many more in war. To the winner goes the spoils - how true that is.

Información adicional

The American public had no idea what was going on in Vietnam. They were being fed propaganda that was made up at military H.Q.'s and in Washington.