I enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school graduation in 1964. Four days later, I was standing tall at Parris Island, South Carolina. I shipped out to Okinawa for jungle warfare training in April, 1965. From there, I was shipped to Chu Lai, South Vietnam. I started out in field wire communication and later served as a forward observer on search and destroy operations with the infantry, calling in artillery strikes. I participated in Operation Starlight, the first U S ground offensive in Vietnam, among others, in August, 1965. I served a one year tour of duty there. Award the Purple Heart for wounds, don't remember where, all those names seem to run together after so many years. While there, I served in Chu Lai, Phu Bai, Hue (pronounced 'Way'), and Quang Tri. Those are the places that I can remember. I'm sure there were others. I also served an eighteen month tour of duty at a joint U S/Spain naval base in Rota, Spain. I attained the rank of Corporal during my four year enlistment.