Detailed Study Notes on Military Experience and Vietnam War

Overview of the Discussion on Australia and Vietnam

  • Introduction to Australia

    • The speaker comments on Australia being large and refers to it as a continent.

  • Cruise Decision

    • Mention of a Lindblad cruise in the northwest corner of Australia.
    • The decision was made to visit New Zealand instead of Australia.

Military Boot Camp and Initial Training

  • Boot Camp Locations

    • Fort Campbell, Kentucky:
    • Established around the Korean War era, likely in the 1950s.
    • Facilities described as cement block barracks.
    • Fort Polk, Louisiana:
    • Described as having World War II wooden barracks.
    • Experience of having regular fire watches assigned to troops.

  • Reflection on Weekend Passes

    • The speaker thought about visiting New Orleans but never did.
    • Other nearby location mentioned: Lake Charles, where many soldiers would go but the speaker did not leave the base.

Service in Vietnam

  • Ranking and Positions

    • After boot camp, individuals are designated as Private First Class.
    • Advanced Individual Training (AIT) followed:
    • Personal experience in infantry training before deploying to Vietnam.

  • Deployment and the Engineering Brigade

    • Joined the 18th Engineering Brigade stationed in Cameron Bay, Vietnam.
    • The 20th Engineering Brigade operated in Long Binh and the Mekong Delta area.
    • Mention of geographical locations:
    • Cameron Bay is central and near the South China Sea.
    • Da Nang: Noted for its beauty and strategic importance; however, the speaker wanted to avoid danger at the DMZ.

  • Choices During Service

    • Gave the speaker a choice to transfer either to Long Binh or Da Nang.
    • Decision made to go south towards Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) to avoid potential danger from the North Vietnamese Army (NVA).

Experiences in Vietnam

  • Duration and Environment

    • Spent approximately two months in Cameron Bay before consolidating units in Long Binh.
    • Describes living conditions in an air-conditioned office after transferring.

  • Awards and Recognition

    • Awarded a Bronze Star and attained the rank of Specialist Five (equivalent to sergeant).
    • Expressed surprise at receiving the Bronze Star, referring to it as recognition of just doing their job.

Human Interest Stories and Anecdotes

  • Examples of Military Experiences

    • The personal feeling of survival and safety during service; speaker mentions never being in jeopardy.
    • Stories of fellow soldiers being in more dangerous positions; mentions a friend's roommate involved in active combat.

  • Role and Responsibilities

    • As a clerk, responsible for managing letters regarding deceased service members and ensuring personal items were returned to the States when soldiers were injured.
    • Mention of diverse incidents leading to casualties: accidents, health issues within troop ranks.

Conclusion of Military Service

  • Duration of Service

    • Entered service in December 1970, spent most of 1971 in Vietnam, and returned in early 1972.
    • Reflects on the reduction of troop presence and unit consolidations as the war progressed.

  • Personal Reflections on Experiences

    • Some soldiers experienced intense combat while others had quieter roles, leading to varied experiences throughout the conflict.
    • Through different assignments and locations, the speaker highlights their relatively non-combat-focused experiences during the Vietnam War.