Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
1:43 | David Andrews explains the feeling that overcame him when he departed Vietnam and a funny story about what occurred between him and another passenger that almost led to a fight.
Keywords : Vietnam Tet Offensive Fort Bliss Camp Eagle David Andrews 101st Airborne
David Andrews explains why he enlisted in the Army in the first place. He then explains the rigorous basic training in Fort Bliss, Texas and the arguably more challenging jump school in Fort Benning, Georgia.
David Andrews remembers his transport to Vietnam during his 21st birthday and what assignments were given to his platoon once they disembarked the plane.
David Andrews talked about his first major confrontation in Vietnam and the situation that led to this major battle with a company that was en route to Saigon for the Tet Offensive.
David Andrews discusses the strategies of the ambush patrol. He explains both night and day procedures.
While on ambush patrol, soon after the Tet Offensive, David Andrews recalls a time where they actually ambushed the enemy. There were heavy casualties on the enemy. Andrews shares a descriptive the visual of the aftermath.
David Andrews discusses what it was like to be on the receiving end of an ambush. He tells the story of how they successfully turned the tide on one major ambush.
David Andrews explains how they prepared for the heat of the jungle, and describes all of the diseases and other dangers of the region.
David Andrews stayed at Camp Eagle most of his time in Vietnam, but about 5 months in, he did get an unexpected opportunity for some R & R in Hong Kong. He explains the odd situation he was in when he departed and upon his return.
David Andrews reflects on the entire Vietnam experience and the few things he remembers from his year in the jungle. He puts that time period in perspective with the war going on presently in the Middle East.
