Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
6:37 | It wasn't like the movies. There was no parade. At least Emilio Rendon wasn't subjected to the ire of anti-war protestors like so many returning Marines. His first couple of jobs were not good but he soon met the love of his life and entered a field he loved, education.
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Emilio Rendon's mother passed away when he was four years old leaving him and four siblings in a tough situation. His father was unable to care for them but an aunt took them in. For that incredible act of kindness, he was eternally grateful.
He had been in ROTC but nothing could have prepared Emilio Rendon for Marine boot camp. What have I done? Oh Mama, come get your boy! The pace was relentless and there was one DI who delighted in punishing the recruits.
From boot camp, Emilio Rendon was sent to Communications and Electronics school. They taught him Morse Code, which he never once used. Then it was off to Vietnam to set up gear for the growing Marine presence in Da Nang.
They called him Wamba. He was a Marine that everybody in the outfit loved for his good humor. Emilio Rendon was going about his business when a Marine from a returning patrol asked him, did you hear about Wamba? He stepped on a booby trap. (Caution: rough language)
The Marines were surprised at the tenacity and cunning of the enemy in Vietnam. Emilio Rendon had been there twice and respected them much more than the ARVN. He was back at Camp Lejeune when he realized, this is boring. I'm a combat Marine. So he volunteered for a third tour.
Radio Operator Emilio Rendon was dispatched to provide comms for a river patrol on the Perfume River. It was about over and he was thinking about getting some food and some sleep back at his own unit when all hell broke loose. It was the beginning of the Tet Offensive.
Many years after the war, Emilio Rendon's son arranged a return trip to Vietnam for the Marine with three tours to his credit. He was awed by Saigon and impressed by his interpreter and guide.
While he was stationed at Camp Lejeune, Emilio Rendon befriended another Marine named Sean Carroll. One was Hispanic and one was Irish but they were as tight as brothers.
Be careful when your country is going to war. Is it our fight? Is there an end game? Emilio Rendon worries about more wars like his, Vietnam. He recommends you listen to Ike's farewell speech and read All Quiet On The Western Front.
