Free Essays,College Free Essays,Free College Essays at Anti Essays

A Close Encounter of the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was the longest military conflict in U.S. history. It lasted from 1959 to 1975 and claimed the lives of more than 58,000 Americans. Another 304,000 soldiers were wounded during this military struggle. Among these men wounded was John Anthony Johnson. He is my neighbor and I chose to interview him for my essay because I knew that he was a war veteran and probably had some interesting tales to tell. Even though we were sitting on my front porch and it seemed very casual, John Anthony shared the seriousness of his personal experience in this war from being drafted into the military to receiving honors for his bravery.
John Anthony Johnson joined the army as a young man of only 20 years in 1971. He was stationed in Ft. Hood, Texas in the Second Armored Division when he was drafted only days after finishing his basic training. This particular Armored Division was the last to be called to serve in Vietnam. When asked how he felt about being drafted John Anthony replied, “At that time I was so young, very male, macho, mexicano, I thought I was ready to go until I got there. Then I became aware of the situation. Wow, I should not have been there.” Before he actually arrived in Vietnam, John Anthony thought it was “pretty cool” that he was getting to go to Vietnam. When he arrived in the combat zone, know as theater, he realized how serious the situation was and how scared he really was.
John Anthony was stationed in Saigon for one year as a Logistics Specialist dealing with supply. His unit was responsible for delivering supplies to the other soldiers, particularly those on the front line. John Anthony and his Division were on a patrol to deliver Log Packs (logistics supplies which consisted ammo and food) one day when he was shot and saw a close friend die ten feet in front of him. The helicopter they were in had to land very, very close to constant live gunfire and when it landed all...