Taylor Thomas - Vietnam Veteran Interview скачать в хорошем качестве

Taylor Thomas - Vietnam Veteran Interview

Vietnam Veteran, Thomas Taylor, was interviewed on October 6, 2022, in Carson, California. CPL Taylor served with the U.S. Marines, 1st Marine Division, 1st Light Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion during the Vietnam War. CPL Taylor was involved in the Tet Offensive and was stationed on Hill 327 in Da Nang. ‪@MakingHistoryProject‬ Summary: Thomas Taylor was born on March 11, 1949, in Winder, Georgia, a small, segregated town about 42 miles northeast of Atlanta. His grandfather was known locally as a skilled barbecue chef whose food was appreciated by President Roosevelt during visits to Georgia. Thomas’s father passed away tragically when Thomas was three, leaving his mother to raise six boys alone, resulting in frequent moves and economic struggles. He entered the Marine Corps in September 1966 at age 17, volunteering for service during the Vietnam War. In Vietnam, Thomas served primarily as a truck driver with the 1st Marine Division, notably at Da Nang Airport and later on Hill 327, a strategic anti-aircraft missile site. His experiences included witnessing traumatic events such as aircraft explosions, being blown through the air during an ammo dump explosion, and surviving rocket and mortar attacks. Thomas described significant racial tensions during his military service, including direct confrontations and fighting resulting from racial slurs. Despite being involved in dangerous solo truck missions delivering ammunition and supplies, he felt truck drivers did not receive recognition compared to combat infantrymen. After returning home, Thomas struggled with anger, PTSD, nightmares, chronic physical injuries, and fought over 40 years with the VA to receive appropriate recognition and disability support. Post-service, Thomas pursued a career in the financial industry, working as a manager in finance companies, banking, and credit/collections until retiring in 2005. He expressed pride in his daughters, one of whom followed him into the Marine Corps, and encouraged future generations to believe in themselves, persevere, and treat others with respect.