I was drafted and entered the US Army on June 2, 1966. Of course every 19 and 20 year old boy knew they would end up in Vietnam.
Sure enough by Dec 8, 1966, I and some guys I knew from basic training and AIT made the trip on a C-141 military flight.
The seats on the 141 pulled out from the sides and looked like lawn chairs. The problem was we were seated backwards. Ha, I remember thinking, I’m flying 12,000 miles facing my beloved USA, my home. Hopefully, in twelve months, I’ll be facing forward on a Boeing 707.
That dream came true on Dec 9, 1967. Finally, I was out of the most backwards, 15th century type country I had ever been in.
I was ordered to serve in the first Cavalry, 8th Engr Bn. I was a diesel mechanic – MOS 62B20 – My unit was known as HHC (Headquarters company). Our job was to keep the equipment running for A, B and C company. They were the operators of dozers, graders, backhoe etc.