A Minnesota PBS Initiative
Advisors
I served on active duty from 1962 to 1964. I spent my two years of active duty at Brooke General Army Hospital in administration.
The Army had what they called advisors on duty in Vietnam. They were getting wounded and sent to our hospital for treatment.
As a young Lt. I would go to their ward and present them with a Purple Heart Medal. It was done quietly with no press or media attention what so ever. I would give it to the soldier or next of kin. I would be alone, salute and leave as quietly as I came.
The brass wanted no attention, no media and no news getting out that we were taking casualties in Vietnam. I left active duty in April 1964.
I was lucky to be able to escape the war.
Story Themes: Brooke Army Hospital, Commendation, Houston, Medals of Honor, News Coverage, Physical Wounds, Purple Heart, Texas