Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
:52 | Jim Vidal was not a smoker before joining the Army, but he tells the story of how certain situations forced him to take on the habit.
Keywords : Germany Vidal Artillery Field Artillery
Jim Vidal explains why and how he chose to enlist in the artillery instead of infantry per a Colonel's advice. However after entering training camp, he learned that certain roles within artillery could actually be more dangerous.
After his head injury during one of his early missions in the Vosges Mountains in France, Jim Vidal explains why another soldier told him he needed to give up his boots. He also shares a story he heard in the hospital from another wounded soldier.
Jim Vidal tells the story of how he asked a German prisoner to help him carry a large battery pack for him. After a couple of days together, the two created a bond that his Colonel said was against the rules of war.
During firing missions, Jim Vidal was often chosen to be on the front lines. He explains why the Major chose him specifically. He also describes how mortars and Howitzers were used and the usual dangers.
During heavy battle in Germany, his Lieutenant was killed, so Jim Vidal was temporarily put in charge by the Captain, however one timid soldier in his platoon made him realize he was not prepared for this appointment.
In the heat of battle, Jim Vidal and his platoon came across a few abandoned German horses that were rather shell-shocked by the gunfire, however his training back in the states actually prepared him to use the horses effectively.
Jim Vidal shares a story about a humorous comment he told his men to help break the tension during a break in battle. This occurred soon after suffering a head injury from shrapnel, which led to his receiving a Purple Heart.
