Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
7:35 | During the Vietnam war, the living conditions in the jungle weren't very comfortable or homey most of the time, as McAlpine documents here. He also remembers the first time he met a general, which is a story all on its own.
Keywords : Barry McAlpine Vietnam surviving the elements living conditions C Rations Reconnaissance (RECON) tunnel hunting camping General village Viet Cong (VC) Staff Sergeant morale
Barry McAlpine grew up in Michigan where he developed an interest in playing baseball, which would ultimately jump start a new life pathway for him shortly before he applied for service in Vietnam. Not before getting his application rejected twice, that is.
After getting accepted to go to war, McAlpine was sent to An Khe, Vietnam. It was here that he did RECON for the 1st and the 9th Cavalry Divisions before getting sent on missions of his own.
McAlpine never really recalled any racial tension while in Vietnam as the media had led people to believe. Here he debunks that myth and also tells of some times of civilian interaction and being in the middle of firefights.
During his time serving in B Troop, McAlpine was more often than not blessed with his interpreter Thien Huynh by his side. Here he talks about his experiences working with him and how well they got along together. Following, he also talks about how he found humor even while being under fire.
On an unexpected day, Barry McAlpine was told he had received the OK to go back home to the states. Upon getting back, he was immediately enrolled in chiropractic school and was slowly but surely integrating himself back into the ways of American society.
To close off, Barry McAlpine tells what he wants people to remember about the Vietnam war. Finally, he recounts all the life lessons he's learned from his time serving, how he has integrated those lessons as a parent of six children, and words of advice for the following generations.
