Camouflaged Memories

A native of ohio, the author joined the U.S. Marine corps in may of 1965 and completed his boot camp at marine corps recruit depot, parris island. Following boot camp and specialty training, he joined marine fighter attack squadron 542, the flying tigers, in chu lai republic of vietnam for his first tour of duty. Completing a successful tour with the flying tigers, he was selected to participate in the enlisted commissioning program, ultimately commissioned as a second lieutenant in early 1968. He was assigned to the 3rd battalion, 1st marine regiment of the 1st marine division in the republic of vietnam at the completion of officer training. During his duty with the 3rd battalion, he was awarded the silver star, two bronze stars, a navy commendation medal and the purple heart for service during 1968–1970.