Vietnam War Interview Forum

Patrick McAleavey

Patrick McAleavey

>2. What branch of the service were you in?

I served in the Army.

>3. What were your years of active duty?

I served from August 1966 until August 1969.

>4. Where did you receive your basic training?

I took Basic training at Fort Campbell, KY. I took Advanced Infantry training at Ford Ord, CA.

>5. Do you have memories of leaving your family or girlfriend for the War?

I don't remember much but I do remember some friends had planned to drive me to the airport but their car got stuck in the snow so I had to take a taxi to the airport.

>6. What was your MOS/Rate?

I was an 11C which is a mortar crewman. I got to carry various parts of an 81 millimeter mortar along with everything else an infantryman carries. At some point I served as a radio operator and the fire direction control for the mortar platoon.

After Vietnam I was assigned to teach at the Army's Infantry School at Fort Benning, GA. I taught the 4.2 inch mortar (the 4 deuce).

>7. What were the campaigns or operations you participated in?

I arrived in Vietnam just at the end of Operation Junction City. My unit, part of the Army's 9th Infantry Division, had taken part in that. I don't recall the names of other operations but I was there for the Tet Offensive of 1968.

>8. Did you receive any decorations or unit citations?

I have a Purple Heart, The Bronze Star, the Army Commendation medal, and the Combat Infantryman's badge.

>9. Any strong fond memories of the war stick out?

Yes, I do have some fond memories and most of those are just the very simple moments such as sitting around and talking, finding out about other people's lives and just enjoying their company.

>10. How did you spend your free time in the service?

In Vietnam we didn't have much free time. I did get to go to Tokyo, Japan in August 1967 for a week's leave and in December of 1967 I got to go to Vung Tau which was a resort city on the South China Sea...very beautiful place.

>11. What was the highest rank you obtained? Where were you last stationed before coming home?

The highest rank I attained was Staff Sergeant E-6 when I was teaching at Fort Benning. That was my last duty post. My enlistment ended at the end of August 1969 and within a week or so I was in college.

>12.Do you have any memories of your homecoming? Were there any celebrations in your town for the returning veterans?

My homecoming from Vietnam was pretty slow. I had been wounded and had to be stabilized before I could be sent home. I finally ended up at the Army hospital at Fort Devens in Massachusetts. I am from the Boston area so my family was able to come visit me. I spent about three (3) months in the hospital recovering.

As far as parades or celebrations....not much chance of that! ;-)

>13. How important was your service in the war to you? How did it change your perspective on life?

Serving in Vietnam was and is very important to me. I am proud of my service. I'm not sure the war changed my perspective on life. Maybe I have a better understanding of how fragile life can be.

>14. How would you like future generations to remember the war and the troops?

I would hope that people will always remember the guys who had their lives taken away.

>15. Were you volunteer or were you drafted?

I enlisted in August 1966 when I was 18. I had graduated from high school the previous May. I didn't get a draft card until about two (2) months after I was out of the Army!

>16. And finally, did you see any famous entertainers or military leaders while you were in  the war?

No, I was supposed to go see Martha Raye when she visited Bearcat (the 9th Division's main base at that time) but I ended up doing something else..not sure what it was.
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>Thank you very much whoever may respond. Don't feel like you need to answer every question, just the ones you want or would like to. I greatly appreciate your time, and the service you gave to our great country.