Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
6:30 | Dellinger is stationed at LZ Uplift, where he helps to stabilize wounded soldiers on their way to a nearby MASH unit. Life as a Medical Platoon Leader ranges from dangerous to uneventful, but his unit enjoys a degree of autonomy.
Keywords : Wounded In Action (WIA) dustoff 173rd Airborne Qui Nhon An Khe Phu Cat LZ Uplift Malaria IG inspection
Raised from a military background, Sonny Dellinger joins the ROTC in college just as the Vietnam War is heating up. He is trained as a Battalion Surgeon’s Assistant and enters duty as a 2nd Lieutenant.
After witnessing the tragic loss of a brave soldier, Dellinger resolves not to get close to anyone in his brigade. He observes a fighting force that is held back by its leadership and its objectives.
Dellinger participates in the Medical Civilian Aid Program, which has him providing medical aid to local villagers. He documents civilian interaction in photos, where we see children clamoring for candy and polaroids.
Dellinger returns home to an unexpected lack of fanfare, and struggles with the adjustment of postwar life. He finds a rewarding career, where his experience in a field hospital helps him form a healthy perspective - and offer help to younger vets.
