A REFLECTION: Many combat-tested veterans didn’t say or write much, if anything, about Vietnam. Even after so many years, it’s hard to put pencil to paper and describe what one went through in combat. When trying to describe a unique event, even when one is calm, the throat tightens as one strains to tell their story. How does one define events so horrific, or why would one even try? Most grunts, ground-combat Soldiers, found it better to talk in generalities, broad-jumping over the ugliness of ground combat, addressing these personal experiences in a witty manner to gloss over hidden feelings. Jody calls are also clever ways to remember we own the bragging rights to our ventures. Hence, war stories are not included here! Stories of heroism are not mentioned, not needed. |
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GALLERY 1970 |
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Arrived in country - Ran into Bob Huff, ROTC & Wrestling Teammate, Idaho State University |
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The 1st Air Cavalry Division |
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Patrolling ~ Looking for Charlie |
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Log Day |
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LT Andy Capp, Pilot - Landed & delivered our supplies. Shot down as he departed, KIA |
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Grunts receive close Artillery & Air Support | |||
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Navy Pilots in Vietnam | |||
Rick Yeates submitted his photos from Vietnam, Wrestling Teammate, Idaho State University |
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Wresting is an individual sport, yet it’s a team effort. This same camaraderie continued in Vietnam between teammates from the 1964-1968 wrestling team at Idaho State University. Fred, Bob, and Rick worked together to support the war effort in Vietnam — from ground to air!. |
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Artillery Support |
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The big guns, 105mm & 155mm Howitzers, give close ground support to grunts in the field |
Getting to know the Vietnam community |
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Cambodia Invasion | |||||
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Grunts take a Break | |||
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We came home |
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Visit the wall |
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Combat Medals |
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Bronze Star w/"V" Device |
Air Medal | Bronze Star w/"V" Device, 2nd OLC |
Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Services Stars |
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal |
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal |
Bronze Star w/"V" Device, 3rd OLC |
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Army Service Ribbon | Joint Meritorious Unit Award |
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1st Cavalry Division History - Vietnam War 1965-1972 |
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E Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalrly |
VIETNAM NATIONAL ARCHIVES |
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Fred Rodríguez can be contacted at 562-308-8861 cepa2000@earthlink.net |
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