Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
4:19 | Greg Lowe was a company commander and then Deputy Provost Marshal at the giant Long Binh post in Vietnam. He put himself in the rotation as duty officer and he recalls an incident involving a Coast Guard commander who was over served at the club.
Keywords : Greg Lowe Military Police (MP) Vietnam Provost Marshal Bill Hecht Bob Harleston drunk Patton
He was an Army brat who was attracted to the service. Greg Lowe went to Western Kentucky University, where he excelled in ROTC and was an enthusiastic member of the Pershing Rifles. After receiving his commission, he spent a year in an armored unit and a year in a cavalry unit, but, in fact, he was a Military Police officer and he was destined for Virtnam.
Greg Lowe had no use for the anti-war sentiment growing on college campuses. He arrived in Vietnam and took command of an MP company guarding Long Binh post. When a soldier killed a civilian in a traffic accident, he learned about the humility and dignity of the Vietnamese.
Greg Lowe's MP's had to search thousands of Vietnamese civilians every day as they arrived to work at Long Binh post. There was less VC sabotage than there was just plain thievery. Outside the base, soldiers were tempted by cheap drugs, which were plentiful.
It was a night to remember when Bob Hope visited Long Binh post in 1970. Greg Lowe enjoyed that show, particularly when his driver got a lap full of Lola Falana. Then it's true confession time as he reveals the source of the steak and lobster served at the monthly parties.
The nickname of the MP company was The Bloodhounds. Someone stateside sent them a bloodhound puppy who grew into a real beast. Greg Lowe recalls that his name was Andy, that he was an honorary captain and that he loved to torment the domestic workers.
Mail call was a big deal and Greg Lowe cherished news from home and the occasional box of goodies, as well. He would give the candy to the local Vietnamese kids.
Since his roommate was the personnel officer, Greg Lowe was able to skip the routine of waiting in a replacement detachment when his time was up in Vietnam. His relationship with his father was strengthened when he got home because of the shared experience of combat.
Greg Lowe discusses the awards he received in Vietnam and why one of them made his wife nervous. The hardest thing he had to do in the war was escort his deceased best friend back to the family.
Greg Lowe discusses his visits to the Vietnam War Memorial and the veterans group he is active with, who were partners in the 50th anniversary commemoration activities. He fondly remembers the troops love of a classic Eric Burden tune and he pays tribute to the ROTC supply sergeant who taught him about leadership.
