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John Wilhite

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A frequent mission for John Wilhite was the fuel run to Cambodia. They would take the boat downriver to the South China Sea and fill up a huge fuel bladder. Then it was back up the Mekong River to Cambodia. You could always tell when you got to the border because the place was crawling with North Vietnamese troops, allies of the murderous Pol Pot regime. (2:45)

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There was a Buddhist hooch on the other side of the river near their base camp. John Wilhite had seen people coming and going there for a long time, but they were respectful of religious locations so it was left alone. One day, while they were playing cards on the boat, the man across from him was hit by a large caliber round. Soon it was apparent where it had come from. (2:51)

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When the River Rats made the ocean run to fill up the fuel bladder they would carry upriver, it was party time. Through trading with sailors, they acquired the steaks, lobster and beer they need for a decent beach affair. After a night beside the South China Sea, it was up to Cambodia to deliver the goods. (3:15)

John Yates

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John Yates comments on the austere lack of comfort that came with being on the frontlines in Europe during World War II. (1:28)

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John Yates recalls his first direct combat experience during the taking of St. Lo, France. (1:57)

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John Yates talks about a few of the psychological tricks German forces would play during World War II. (2:24)

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John Yates shares one initiative he took during the Battle of the Bulge to deal with an enemy tank. (3:18)

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John Yates remembers two dangerous mistakes he made while flying his artillery scout aircraft along enemy lines. (1:15)

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John Yates describes how his aircraft would support tank destroyers on the ground, and comments on the arbitary awarding of combat medals. (4:18)

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John Yates remembers how his artillery battalion supported one large hedgerow clearing operation in France that involved both land and air support. (3:59)