Following graduation I reported to Indiantown Gap military reservation for my delayed Army ROTC summer camp. Then commissioned a Second LT, I went to Air Defense Artillery Officer basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas and trained in Nike Hercules missile systems. While there I was offered an opportunity to sign a voluntary indefinite agreement. Instead of a standard 2 year active duty requirement, I agreed to stay on active duty as long as they needed me in exchange for getting my first choice duty assignment: A Nike unit in Germany!
Two years in Germany were wonderful. Then came orders to go to Korea which were quickly changed to Viet Nam! Upon landing at Tan Son Nhat airbase I learned that I was being assigned to the Headquarters company of the 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion of the 1st Air Calvary Division.
They certainly did not need a trained air defense officer, so they created a spot for me as assistant S-4 (supply). Then I learned that Dartmouth classmate Nick North was the S-1 (personnel) for the battalion. I credit him with getting me the assignment. My duties involved flying out to firebases on the unit’s helicopters to support our enlisted men who rearmed and refueled the choppers in the field. Additionally, I ran truck convoys into the countryside to resupply emergency landing zones with jet fuel and rockets. I was well armed. Nick and I roomed together in a hootch (hut) we named Ghetto West (photo attached) with the only other officer in the battalion who was not rated as a pilot. Memory dims at 77 but I do remember being rudely awakened one night when the Viet Cong decided to launch rockets targeting the airbase.
After 8 months I was told I was no longer needed, and I flew back to the States and was released from active duty.
I am proud to have served. I made the rank of Captain. I celebrate twice a year on Veteran’s Day and Flag Day by telling lies with a group of veterans in my small Virginia county. I have a framed Bronze Star on the wall next to the Dartmouth diploma in my study. And with the help of a letter of recommendation from the commanding officer of the Nike Group in Germany I attended Harvard Business School using the GI Bill. I have prearranged to be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery. All in all, a memorable chapter in my life. I must say I am surprised to learn how few classmates had Viet Nam stories to tell.