A Minnesota PBS Initiative
Duty Bound
Drafted in November 1965
inducted January 3, 1966
married May 6, 1966
levied for Vietnam November 1966
arrived in An Khe RVN January 1967
served in the 1st Cav, D Company 1/8 as RTO, May 1966
returned to base as company clerk, July 1966
transferred to 15th Admin Finance Corps, December 1967
return US and process out of active duty, return to Falcon Heights, MN and civilization.
RTO 1st Cav.
The dates and places while on active duty are unforgettable and still not explainable to friends and family. You had to be there.
My wife, Jan, was with me from our wedding day until I shipped out of Travis AFB on January 2, 1967. Life was good and peculiar for us in Columbia, SC and then Ft. Polk, LA. Infantry in SC, finance corps in LA.
No questions asked, we just did what was put before us.
I did what I was asked to do without question or complaint early in my life. Losses at the end of the century changed my duty bound attitude. Now I am duty bound to reach out for things I want.
After military service Jan worked at the US Forest Service and I attended the U of M, graduating in December 1970. Son Brett born in 1972, son Eric born in 1977 we led a middle class life doing what was put before us to the best of our ability.
Personal losses in 1998 and 1999 jerked me from the path of doing what was put before me. Finally I realized that I had choices and needed to exercise them before I die.
Duty Bound - I did what I was asked to do without question or complaint early in my life. Losses at the end of the century changed my duty bound attitude. Now I am duty bound to reach out for things I want. It seems to be a natural/normal progression.
I am glad to have served my country and all it's citizens during the Vietnam War. Now I am thrilled to be able to exercise my duty to do what pleases me.
Relaxed in VN.
Biographical Details
Submitted From: Maple Grove, MN
Primary Location During Vietnam: An Khe, Vietnam 
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Army
Dates of Service: 1966 - 1967
Veteran Organization: Disabled American Veterans Life Member
Unit: D 1/8 Jumping Mustangs
Specialty: 11C40, 11B40, 73C40
This submission is part of Stories of Gratitude.
Go to the collection.
Story Themes: 1966, 1967, An Khe, Army, DAV, Disabled American Veterans, Draft, Duty, Family, Jumping Mustangs, Loren Hanson, Maple Grove, Read, Reflection