Bryan Charles William Tate's interview for the Veterans History Project at Atlanta History Center

We welcome your comments on this interview at [e-mail]
Catalog number: VIS 201.0780
In this interview, Bryan Tate recalls his experiences serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He remembers his growing up years as the son of a career Army father and how his father and mother met. He explains how he was drafted and why he chose Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) school after his Advanced Infantry Training rather than Officer Candidate School (OCS). He describes going to Vietnam, landing in Bien Hoa, his first impressions of Vietnam, and his early in-country training for his assignment with the 28th Infantry. He was quickly assigned to lead a platoon and describes his first night in the field as well as living conditions in the field and at their fire base. He comments on the men with whom he served and the lack of racial tensions in the field that might otherwise have existed in safer, rear areas. His platoon was selected to see the Bob Hope USO show and he describes that experience. He was offered a battlefield commission but chose not to accept it because it would have meant spending another year in Vietnam. When the 1st Infantry prepared to leave Vietnam, he was reassigned to the 173rd Airborne, serving in their headquarters company where they experienced enemy rocket attacks every night. He reflects on the leadership in his units and describes several firefights in which he took part and the men that they lost. He describes in detail one harrowing incident when he and his medic narrowly escaped the wreckage of his executive officer’s helicopter when it was shot down directly over their heads. He also describes witnessing Arc Light missions and missions for which the USS New Jersey provided artillery support. He comments on troops from the Republic of Korea (ROK), South Vietnam (ARVN), and the Vietnamese people he encountered. He recalls returning home and describes experiences he had in later years connecting with the families of the men he lost and how meaningful that was to him. He describes his post-military career, life, and volunteer activities, including serving with the USO at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, escorting active duty military members through the airport and his volunteer work with the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association.

[@danmurphy4472]

Thank You SIR........for everything.

[@henryschuurman2012]

Sir Thank you for your service. Amazing story particularly your experience becoming a NCO through the NCO academy and right into the war.

[@nelsonsavinon605]

What a great interview, it deserves more views.

[@BenHoltenFilms]

I absolutely love listening to interviews done by Joe Galloway.

[@garyluck8502]

Thanks for your service!

[@jetobey5656]

The praise for medics/corpsman. I was rejected by the Navy with a MOS corpsman contract. I was a CO. The Army had already rejected me at my pre-induction physical and swear-in. This was 1967. My high school years were 1960 to 1964. I was in college in '67. I had been seriously injured in football--they reviewed my X-rays of my lumbar spine. All of examiners insulted my faith, though it was supported. I was a skilled woodsman and an expert marksman. I persistently explained that I would protect a soldier/marine under my care by engaging in combat. The army rejected that same promise. Apparently they did not want to bother with me and classified me 1-Y and that is when I walked down the hall and tried to enlist in the Navy. I have been bitter and guilty feeling ever since.

[@taniachop8926]

Phenomenal interview gentleman. Thank you

[@grayalex73]

He said his father was drafted in’39. Why would he be drafted before US entry in the war?

[@AllAroundAtlanta]

He clicks his pen though.