A Minnesota PBS Initiative
THE PAST IS ALIVE WITHIN US
Issues surrounding the Vietnam war, both at home and abroad, affected the very fabric of our democracy and dramatically impacted veterans and citizens alike. Reconciliation is needed.
In December 1966, I received a very official looking letter. The letter started out as follows, “Greetings from the President of the United States” -- Wow, I’ve just been drafted. Soon thereafter, olive drab was my new favorite color and I learned several lessons about life!
• I hate snakes. Holy smokes, was that a cobra I just killed with my machete?
• Does it ever stop raining?
• Why is it so hot?
• How many days left in country?
• Will I be brave?
• Will I make mom and dad proud?
• Are we really patriots?
• Lord, don’t let me fall asleep on watch.
• Why do firefights seem like organized chaos with lots of noise?
WAITING TO LIFT OFF, by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967, Courtesy of the National Museum of the U.S. Army.
• Did someone yell “medic”?
• Where’s my morphine kit?
• Where the hell is that “dust-off”?
• Why are night ambush patrols full of terror and frequent mayhem?
• Remember to pull the pin before you throw.
• Why are they protesting?
• Why do they call me a baby killer?
• Why are they spitting at me?
These are just a few of the questions that were in my mind during my tour duty in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968 and reflect my personal experiences when I returned home. Similar thoughts and experiences occurred to every soldier, marine, airman and of course, sailor who served in the military during that period of time.
Biographical Details
Submitted From: St. Paul, MN
Primary Location During Vietnam: An Loc, Vietnam 
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Army
Dates of Service: 1967 - 1969
Veteran Organization: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Blue Spader Association and the First Infantry Division Association
Unit: HHQ and Company A, 1sr/26th Inf, First Infantry Division
Specialty: Combat medic (91B)
Additional Locations During Vietnam: Phouc Vinh, An Loc, Loc Ninh and Quan Loi (mostly the area near the Cambodian border, approximately 100 miles NW of Saigon)
Story Themes: Animals, Blue Spader Association, Coming Home, Draft, Firefight, First Impressions, First Infantry Division, First Infantry Division Association, Helicopter, Medical Personnel, Patriotism, Snake, Terrain, Veterans of Foreign Wars
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