A Minnesota PBS Initiative
I Was Basically a Spy
Jack Ryan served on a US Navy spy ship called the USS Oxford. Jack served early on in the war so he didn't see a lot of action, but his two younger brothers were in the infantry in subsequent years and were more affected by the war and what they saw.
At night, you would see the flares, and I'd always think, "Are those guys getting hit?"
Biographical Details
Submitted From: Green Isle, MN
Primary Location During Vietnam: San Miguel, Philippines 
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Navy
Dates of Service: 1963 - 1966
Additional Locations During Vietnam: US Naval Communication Station
Jack's story was captured with the help of TPT's Minnesota Remembers Vietnam team at the 2017 Minnesota State Fair.
Story Themes: Espionage, Green Isle, Jack Ryan, Philippines, San Miguel, Siblings, Spy, State Fair Interviews, USS Oxford, Watch