Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans

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Ed Callison

Vietnam | 493rd M.I. Detachment, 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division

Ed Callison remembers some of the elements of Vietnam that kept the spirits high. Joking around with fellow soldiers was part of the Vietnam experience. (3:45)
Ed Callison remembers the mortar attacks they faced while stationed in Vietnam. Maintaining perimeter security was an ongoing battle that kept everyone on alert constantly. (5:59)
It was dangerous enough to patrol South Vietnam, between the ambushes and the risk of malaria, but that was compounded with the chance of being hit by one of your own. Ed Callison recalls one instance of friendly fire that could have ended his life. (7:25)
Ed Callison remembers his last few weeks in Vietnam and then returning home to the hostile climate for people who served in the Vietnam War. He is thankful for some of the good treatment he did receive, and grateful for the increased support today. (8:11)
Moving into civilian life wasn't always smooth sailing as he returned to college after his tour in Vietnam. He hopes future generations will remember the Vietnam veterans as the hard-fighting, dedicated men they were. (6:25)
Ed Cottrell

WWII | 48th Fighter Group, 493rd Fighter Squadron

While WWII was raging, Ed Cottrell knew if he didn’t put his name in he’d end up being drafted. Noting a program to train college students how to fly, he opted to get his license so that if he had to go overseas, he wouldn’t be walking, and the Army Air Corps gave him the best offer. (Interview conducted at, and with the assistance of, The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas.- https://theveteransmuseum.org/) (5:49)
Ed Cottrell describes his extensive flight training in the Army Air Corps. He was fortunate to get his choice of flying fighters, and preparing to fly in a war-zone led to him making some risky decisions. (Interview conducted at, and with the assistance of, The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas.- https://theveteransmuseum.org/) (6:04)
In late 1944, Ed Cottrell would be sent to Europe to fly P-47s. He describes the journey overseas, as well as the men in his squadron, before they would be given their first missions. (Interview conducted at, and with the assistance of, The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas.- https://theveteransmuseum.org/) (3:16)
On December 17, 1944, the Germans were preparing for the Battle of the Bulge. Being stationed at the closest base to Bastogne, Ed Cottrell would fly a mission that would be one of his closest calls during the war. He also tells the story of his late friend Second Lieutenant Art Summers. (Interview conducted at, and with the assistance of, The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas.- https://theveteransmuseum.org/) (6:20)
Towards the end of the Battle of the Bulge, the Germans attempted to strike Allied air bases. Ed Cottrell describes the ensuing battle and the desperate measures taken by the Germans as the war moved further out of their favor. (Interview conducted at, and with the assistance of, The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas.- https://theveteransmuseum.org/) (5:27)