- Interviewed regional commander of the Order of the Purple Heart, and Vietnam War veteran, Mr. William Weldon
- Completed a current event on a recently discovered sea "monster" (parent signature required)
- Began our Veterans Day essay project (parent signature required)
- Reviewed and discussed religious beliefs and the Columbian Exchange in Social Studies
- Took a test in Math
- Tested our simple machines in Science
We asked, and Mr. Weldon answered, the following questions during our interview with him today:
Were you drafted or did you volunteer? I volunteered for service in December of 1966. I wanted to go to the Vietnam War. Several of my friends signed up with me. Three of them were killed in action and did not come home from the war.
How did you earn your Purple Heart? I was injured by shrapnel from a mortar shell that exploded near me. It also injured many of the men near me. I spent two and a half months in the hospital getting better and returned to the war afterward.
How long did you serve and with which branch? I was in the Army infantry for three years, from 1966 to 1969 and was trained as a paratrooper. I served with the 101st and 82nd Airborne divisions and made about 60 jumps, but none of them were in combat in Vietnam.
Did you return to service after your first tour? I returned to the field after my injury and also returned to the 101st after a stint with the 82nd at Fort Bragg. I've been working with the Purple Heart organization in the states for many years.
What was it like to do your job as a paratrooper? It was very exciting and very dangerous. I liked it a lot. I didn't like shooting at the enemy, but had to because if I didn't, and he was shooting at me, I might get shot by him.
Have you been in any other wars before or after Vietnam? No.
How old were you when you served? I was 18 when I went in, and 21 when I came out.
Did you enjoy your time of service? Yes. Very much. I have often wished I had stayed in, but I'm glad I got to come home safely, too.
