And as far as I know, the two tours [in the Army] were fighting in Vietnam. In what capacity?
I flew in a helicopter as a gunner. Then I was a Sergeant and trained recruits.
On sorties, it most likely became necessary to shoot?
Yes … But understand, on assignment you usually do not see people—you open fire as soon as you notice any movement, and do not think about it being a person. Otherwise, it is impossible—this is war, and the morals of a military person are other than those of a civilian: for a Commander the main thing is to perform his mission and save his soldiers. Reflection in the middle of a fight is dangerous—you will be killed before long.
Were you ever wounded?
Fortunately, no. A couple of times hurt … Once, during a hard landing I knocked out teeth on the back of the pilot’s seat in front of me. And another time a tiny splinter hit me in the eye. At first I didn’t notice anything and felt no pain, but then the blood flowed. Then the piece was drawn out with a magnet …
Thus, the “Purple Heart” among your military decorations, right?
No—don’t even suggest such a thing! But there is a Distinguished Flying Cross for service, Bronze Star, and two Vietnamese Crosses for bravery.
Yeah, the bouquet* on a blazer really makes an impression …
Thank you.
*Literally “fruit salad”.
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