United States, Colorado, El Paso County, Fort Carson, 38.73749, -104.78886United States, Georgia, Muscogee County, Fort Benning, 32.43487, -84.93382United States, Louisiana, Vernon Parish, Fort Polk, 31.0465776, -93.2054396Vietnam, A Shau Valley, 10.3419765, 107.0893742Vietnam, Huế, 16.4638013, 107.5821911Vietnam, Phú Bài, 16.39928, 107.70136Luton, FrankMcDonald, James David, 1946-2017-09-01In 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 FameDavid McDonald served in the 101st Airborne during the Vietnam War.video/mp4Atlanta, Ga. : Kenan Research Center, Atlanta History Centerhttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/Veterans History Project oral history recordingsVeterans History Project collection, MSS 1010, Kenan Research Center, Atlanta History CenterVietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, AmericanVietnam Veterans Memorial (Washington, D.C.)Bronze Star Medal (U.S.)United States. Army. Airborne Division, 101stUnited States. Army. Airborne Infantry, 502nd. Battalion, 2ndUnited States. Army. Evacuation Hospital, 95thFitzsimons Army Medical CenterOral history interview of James David McDonaldMovingImage