Robert B. Reece Jr.'s interview for the Veterans History Project at the Atlanta History Center

Catalog Number: VIS 201.0773
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In this interview, Robert Reese Jr. shares his experiences serving in the United States Army 1st Division during the Vietnam War. He recalls his upbringing in Georgia, his family's military history, and dropping out of college to join the Army. He discusses his training, the "11 Bravo" designation, and the pride associated with being an infantryman. Reese talks about his impressions of Vietnam including the weather, the culture, and feeling alien in the country. He describes his duties, "walking point," and being the "new guy" in a company. He details incidents including his company being ambushed, taking shrapnel to his leg, the loss of friends, and friendly fire. He speaks about working closely with the Vietnamese, the elements of humanity in war and peace, the regrets he has, and his postwar returns to Vietnam.