biography
As a young high school student I enlisted in the USMC in Flint, Michigan and following graduation from boot camp and additional infantry training, I was assigned to Vietnam, my first permanent duty station.
Vietnam - 1970-1971 - I served with H&S Co. (106s) 2/5 briefly at Liberty Bridge before returning to An Hoa CB and Golf Sector (Flames section). Patrolled out along Thong Su Bon until the battalion "stood down" to LZ Baldy.
At Baldy volunteered to be reassigned to G Co. (CUPP Program). Was assigned to 2d Platoon, CUPP 10 & CUPP 8. It was the most rewarding experience of my combat tour.
In very early January I returned to the U.S., on special leave (for having extended 6 months in a combat zone).
Upon my return to Vietnam the 5th Marine Regiment was in the process of returning to the States. I was reassigned as a squad leader to B Co., 1/1 in the Hill 10 area. (I do not recall which platoon it was.)
When the 1/1 departed from Vietnam I returned to Camp Pendleton with the battalion.
I received no medals of valor or any of that gallantry stuff. My combat tour decorations included Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Following an initial four-year enlistment I returned briefly to my home (of Flint, Michigan), but eventually went back into the Corps and served until 1982. In 1984 I enlisted in the Army and went on to retire from the U.S. Army in 1991.
