Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
5:52 | Ed Callison remembers growing up with a military background in his family, which he would eventually be a part of when he was drafted for the Vietnam war. His opinion of the war has changed over time as he's gotten more time to look at it.
Keywords : growing up military family apprehensive media infantry drafted MOS Military Occupational Specialty Baltimore MD
Ed Callison remembers his basic training and the important subject matter he learned throughout that to be as efficient a soldier as possible in Vietnam. Shipping off to Vietnam was very memorable as well.
Ed Callison remembers landing in Vietnam and making friends and allies with some of the locals that lived there. For Callison, arriving in III Corps was a big change, and he didn't waste anytime getting up to speed with the men who had been there a while.
Ed Callison remembers the role of his unit and all of the duties they enacted while stationed in Vietnam. Working with civilians and enemy prisoners alike to gain intel was often successful in gaining information that allowed a more successful war effort.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
