Katie Felton

Mr. Krucli

English

27 May 2005

I interviewed my father, Bill Felton, on what it was like to fight in a war.

What war did u fight in?

I fought in the Viet Nam Conflict. It is called a “conflict” or “police action” because the U.S. Congress never declared war.

2. What branch of the armed forces did you serve under?

I served in the U.S. Marine Corps

3. How long did you serve?

I served in Viet Nam (in country) from December of 1967 to August 1968

4. What regiment were you in?

I was in the 1^st Marine Division, 2^nd Marine Air Wing and my unit was called MASS 2 or Marine Air Support Squadron 2

5. Where were you stationed and how long were you there?

I was stationed DaNang, but my job responsibilities forced me to travel to many other cities such as Phu Bi, Dong Ha, Hue, and Kah Sahg.

6. What was your job and how did it help the war?

I was originally trained as a close air support or Air Controller, but when I came “in country” the needed someone in the Intelligence Office (G2), so I worked there for the duration of my tour.

7. What would you say was the hardest part of your job and why?

The hardest part of my job was constantly being “on guard” because the entire country was considered a War Zone.

8. Was it hard to leave your family and fellow countrymen behind?

It was hard to leave my family and friends behind initially when I went to boot camp, but by the time I had to go to Viet Nam, I was ready mentally and physically.

9. How did you feel about the war? Did you support the cause?

I supported the war effort but I felt we should have been more aggressive and won the war.

10. What was the sentiment of the country when you came home?

The sentiment was still anti-war. Only one of my neighbors ever actually “Thanked me for my services.”

11. What was it like to come back home for good? Was it hard to readjust to civilian life?

It was great to come home and it was a little hard to readjust but I rarely fought hand to hand combat so I didn’t have problems that deled with that. The main adjustment I had was that I realized that not enough people have an appreciation for the sacrifice made to keep their daily freedoms.

12. How has serving in a war changed your outlook on life?

It changed my outlook on life by making me realize that freedom isn’t free, you don’t always have to bear arms to win and you must always be willing to die for your beliefs.