A Minnesota PBS Initiative
From Freezing Cold to Steaming Hot
David R. Johnson left for Vietnam in the dead of winter and the climate change was a shock to his system. He eventually acclimated, and his attitude about the war shifted. His primary mission became to look out for his fellow soldiers, count the days, and get home.
It was look out for your buddy and then he'll look out for you. The hell with the war. Just do your time... count those days and go home.
Biographical Details
Submitted From: St. Paul, MN
Primary Location During Vietnam: Pleiku, Vietnam 
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Army
Dates of Service: 1966 - 1972
Unit: 45th Eng Gp
Specialty: 67N2F
Additional Locations During Vietnam: Quy Nhon, Vung Tau, Da Nang, Hue
David's story was captured with the help of TPT's Minnesota Remembers Vietnam team at the 2017 Minnesota State Fair.
Story Themes: 45th Eng Gp, 46th Special Forces, Bravery, Brotherhood, Christmas, Coming Home, Dissent, Draft, First Impressions, Holiday, Humanity, Medevac, Multiple Tours, Protest, State Fair Interviews, Terrain, Watch, Weaponry
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