- Collection:
- Veterans History Project: Oral History Interviews
- Title:
- Oral history interview of James David McDonald
- Creator:
- Luton, Frank
McDonald, James David, 1946- - Publisher:
- Atlanta, Ga. : Kenan Research Center, Atlanta History Center
- Date of Original:
- 2017-09-01
- Subject:
- Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American
Vietnam Veterans Memorial (Washington, D.C.)
Bronze Star Medal (U.S.)
United States. Army. Airborne Division, 101st
United States. Army. Airborne Infantry, 502nd. Battalion, 2nd
United States. Army. Evacuation Hospital, 95th
Fitzsimons Army Medical Center - People:
- Clinton, Bill, 1946-
Nahas, Albert J. - Location:
- United States, Colorado, El Paso County, Fort Carson, 38.73749, -104.78886
United States, Georgia, Muscogee County, Fort Benning, 32.43487, -84.93382
United States, Louisiana, Vernon Parish, Fort Polk, 31.0465776, -93.2054396
Vietnam, A Shau Valley, 10.3419765, 107.0893742
Vietnam, Huế, 16.4638013, 107.5821911
Vietnam, Phú Bài, 16.39928, 107.70136 - Medium:
- video recordings (physical artifacts)
- Type:
- Moving Image
- Format:
- video/mp4
- Description:
- In this interview, David McDonald recalls his experiences in the 101st Airborne during the Vietnam War. He remembers his family and growing up years and how he entered military service immediately after graduating from college. He describes his basic training as well as jungle survival school and jump school. His training was cut short because of the Army's need for infantry soldiers in Vietnam. He remembers how upset his family was when he left for Vietnam and describes his first impressions of the country and how quickly he was sent to his company, a unit still dealing with the aftermath of the Battle of Hamburger Hill. He remembers his first night standing watch and comments on how well trained and supplied the North Vietnamese Army was. He describes ambushes his unit endured on Hills 882 and 714; recalls their losses; and explains how they were able to escape after being pinned down. He recalls how members of his unit have gathered together for reunions several times in recent years and explains what that has meant to him. He describes his reasons for extending his tour in Vietnam; how he contracted malaria; and how he endured shrapnel in both arms. He received medical treatment in Vietnam and explains his discharge; his homecoming; and his further treatment at military hospitals in Colorado. He recalls never receiving his ribbons or medals for his service and how he requested them many years later. President Bill Clinton presented them to him. He reflects on his teaching and coaching careers and how his military service has informed his life.
Advanced Infantry Training; Jump School; Jungle Survival School; "Camp Eagle"; Fire Support Base Rifle; Hamburger Hill; booby traps; Hill 882; Hill 714; ambush; Fire Support Base Ripcord; Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame
David McDonald served in the 101st Airborne during the Vietnam War. - Metadata URL:
- http://album.atlantahistorycenter.com/cdm/ref/collection/VHPohr/id/841
- Additional Rights Information:
- This material is protected by copyright law. (Title 17, U.S. Code) Permission for use must be cleared through the Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center. Licensing agreement may be required.
- Extent:
- 59:47
- Original Collection:
- Veterans History Project oral history recordings
Veterans History Project collection, MSS 1010, Kenan Research Center, Atlanta History Center - Holding Institution:
- Atlanta History Center
- Rights:
-
