A Minnesota PBS Initiative
I Would Do It Again
I would do it again. Look at all of this world... This wonderful country we live in. It’s worth it. When I die, I will be covered with the American Flag. It’s a big deal to me.
Trudell Guerue, Jr. is a member of the Lakota Sioux and grew up on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. Coming from a rich family heritage of service, and following in the footsteps of Spotted Tail Clan members like Crazy Horse, Trudell felt it was his duty to serve when he was called.
Trudell attended Vermont Academy through the A Better Chance program, then enlisted in the Airborne Infantry. He trained in Germany before heading to Vietnam where he was wounded in action. After a near-death experience and 16 surgeries later, Trudell went on to achieve success.
After serving, he attended Dartmouth University and later Notre Dame to get his law degree. He has had success as a lawyer and tribal court judge. Learn more about his experiences
"I would do it again. Look at all of this world... This wonderful country we live in. It’s worth it. When I die, I will be covered with the American Flag. It’s a big deal to me."
Biographical Details
Submitted From: St. Paul, MN
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Army
Unit: Artillery forward observer with Company A, 2d Battalion, 503, Parachute Infantry, 173 Airborne Brigade
Trudell's story was captured with the help of TPT's Minnesota Remembers Vietnam team and was featured at the 2018 Vietnam War Roundtable series at Concordia University.
Story Themes: Death and Loss, Family, Native American, Parachute, Wounded in Action
Show Comments