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Don Chapman

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Navy F-4 pilot Don Chapman explains why medals are a sore subject with him. What were they worth when you were encouraged to write yourself up to receive them? He does have a warm appreciation for the Navy, which taught him the skills to make a good living after his service. (4:29)

Don Cope

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Don Cope loved everything about ROTC when he was in high school so it was natural that he join the service when his college ambitions were derailed. It was in the Air Force that he found his career calling in aircraft maintenance. (3:37)

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In the years following the Vietnam era, Don Cope served in multiple places around the world for the Air Force, running aircraft maintenance operations and teaching. After he left the service, he continued doing the same in the private sector. (7:23)

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When Don Cope was stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War, he was elated to meet President Johnson during a visit to the air base. He was less than elated, however, with the restrictive policies that prevented US forces from actually defeating the enemy and he relates the story of a pilot who felt the same way. (5:04)

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During the Tet Offensive, Don Cope had to fly into Da Nang from his base in Thailand to repair an aircraft. The part that was needed would take months to arrive. Undaunted, he made a makeshift part from a common household item. (7:22)

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When Don Cope returned from Vietnam, he was confronted by a group of anti-war protestors. He calmly told them what he would do if they didn't get out of his way. He was already bitter over the way the war had been fought. (4:26)

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Don Cope loved the military life. It was a challenge but very rewarding. He only retired from the Air Force because his next assignment would have separated him from his family. (4:02)

Don Lacy

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When he tried to enlist, he was told one of his legs was too short, but when Don Lacy was drafted, he convinced the same doctor to let him into the Navy. Showing an aptitude for electronics, he was sent to Chicago to be an instructor in a new radio school. (6:19)

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Don Lacy was a radio school instructor when the Navy came looking for technicians to participate in an atomic bomb test. He'd not yet been to sea, so he jumped at the chance. He studied the effects on radio equipment during Operation Crossroads, the detonations at Bikini Atoll. (6:34)

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While participating in the atomic tests at Bikini Atoll, Don Lacy had to change to new clothes frequently because they became so radioactive. The second test was underwater, which contaminated the sea for miles around. His job was to inspect radio equipment on the target ships, so he was fortunate to have no lasting effects on his health. (6:09)