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An up close and personal interview with U.S. Army Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:
MSG David King U.S. Army (Ret) (1984-2003)
PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE ARMY?
Having dropped out of college in the early winter of 1965, I was about to be drafted into the Army or Marines, which very probably shortly would have been a trip as an 11B to Vietnam which was not my most desirable career path. Finding only long waiting lists for
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| Enjoying my Retirement |
slots in the Coast Guard, Navy, National Guard and Reserves, I was very lucky to fall into a slot which had been left by someone who had only just flunked his/her ASVABS in the AF Mechanical Career Field. I immediately took advantage of the opportunity. My company was about to go out on strike and we were working Saturdays to get prepared for it. I had called in sick that Saturday after receiving my draft notice so I could visit recruiters. I was on a plane to Lackland the following Monday.
In 1984 I was diagnosed with PTSD. Suffering from survivor guilt, I attempted to get back into the Air Force, but was told I was too old. The Army would take me and I was all set to head for a year's worth of training in Military Intelligence when the recruiter found at the last moment that I was ineligible for Active Duty since I had never been attached to an Army unit. I was able to get into the Reserves, where I served for 17 years.
WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
Having had a couple months experience driving a forklift for GE, it was decided that I was a fine candidate for a 60550 Air Freight Apprentice. I went to Basic at Lackland in Jan 66 and thereafter to Tech School at Sheppard. My first tour was an 18 month at
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| POLEX: Ft. Pickett |
Clark AFB in the Philippines, from there to Travis AFB, CA and from there to Quan Loi Army Airfield, RVN. During that time, I spent my entire short career in Air Freight and most of that out on the flight-line loading and unloading aircraft. Though the first promotion after school was long in coming, I did make Staff Sergeant in Vietnam. I joined the USAR in 1984 in Ithaca, NY as 12B Drill Sergeant with C/3/391/3 (Engineer OSUT) 98th Division (Training). I became a 12B and Drill Sergeant qualified and pushed troops as a Drill Corporal and Drill Sergeant at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. During my last AT with the company, we participated in a training experiment in which Reservists ran a company for an entire cycle without assistance from Regular Army Drill Sergeants. A core of Reservists were there for the entire cycle with units rotating in and out for their usual two weeks. My company was there for the last two weeks and graduation and we were proud that this Reserve run company was recognized as the Company of the Cycle. In late 1987 I had a change in civilian careers and location which was not compatible with the Reserves and I dropped into the IRR. I was IRR until Desert Shield, when I reactivated myself. Though this created some hardships, I felt I had a higher obligation to serve my country in that time of need, and my civilian employers were willing to work with me.
There were only two units nearby with slots available and I took the closer of the two as a 76V in the 1003rd General Supply Company in Scranton, PA. I became 76V qualified and we were soon mobilized for an early AT for Desert Storm to New Cumberland Army Depot. While there, we performed our wartime mission, packing and shipping material for the troops at the front. As the war was short, we were not extended and that became our AT. We had another meaningful AT when we were sent to Ft. Dix when it was handed over to the USAR. We spent our summer camp helping to clear buildings and itemizing and storing equipment. Under BRAC, our Company was to be shut down and we were advised to find new homes.
In early 1995 the remainder of the company was reorganized as the 828th Quartermaster Company(Petroleum/Supply). I became 77F qualified and we did our first two Annual Tours(AT's) at the Roving Sands Exercise at Ft. Bliss, being tutored in our new craft under the mentorship of the 277th Quartermaster Company(Petroleum\Supply) out of Niagara Falls, NY.  Though Roving Sands is a multinational training mission, for us it was real-world, as the fuel we stored and provided was needed and utilized. For that reason, it was an enjoyable and meaningful AT and we always attempted to get assigned to it again, but were never selected. Another mission we craved that required petroleum supply was Operation Bright Star in Egypt, but that one eluded us also. Most of our AT's were with POLEX, the Nationwide Petroleum and Water Transportation and Storage Exercise. Though we performed this mission with real fuel and it was good practice, it is a training exercise with fuel just getting moved around and we did not feel as useful as we might have with a real-world mission. Even so, I enjoyed this MOS and company immensely. While with the 828th Quartermaster Company. I served as a Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant and First Sergeant.
In 2002 our Battalion Commander requested that I move up to Battalion. In my civilian job, I had five days off a month, two weeks vacation and two weeks unpaid military leave. Since at that time I lived almost four hours from my unit, I would travel down on a Friday and stay for the weekend, giving me part of a free day to catch up on paperwork without the interruptions of a drill weekend. With promotion boards, battalion training briefs, Soldier of the Year boards, AT planning, Battalion 1st Sergeant meetings and so forth (not to mention schools as well as AT). I was usually on a mission two weekends a month and virtually all my free time was being spent away from home for the Army. And there were increased pressures on the civilian side as well. I was burning out(as well as my wife, I might add). Given the fore-mentioned and the fact that the 327th Quartermaster Battalion in Williamsport, PA was an hour closer to home, I agreed to the transfer. It turned out, however, that I didn't really have a slot and I was merely a "number" acquisition for the Battalion Commander's recruitment and retention slide. So I spent my time there doing busy-work. A high point was the AT where we were tasked with running the last two weeks of POLEX. It was highly interesting to participate in running this exercise that I had served in for so many years and to see how our little part had fit into the country-wide mission. I retired in 2003, essentially aged out.
IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
I was at Quan Loi Army Airfield from Jan-Dec 1969. Whatever was going on at that time, I was involved with it. Elements running Quan Loi at various times were the 1st Cavalry Division., the 1st Infantry Division, and the 11th Armored Cavalry. We had daily rocket attacks often fired
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| The Quan Loi Queen |
by '5 O'clock Charlie' and at other times, all day barrages of Harassment and Interdiction(H&I). During one rocket attack I was blown off my forklift by a 107mm rocket which resulted in no injuries other than a wounded forklift. Ground attacks occurred about every other week, ranging from sapper probes to full-fledged NVA battalion level attacks. Pretty much I just went with my weapon to my fighting bunker and never had to defend my position. Watching the Cobras and Spooky work was extremely impressive, particularly during a night attack. The photo is of the 'Quan Loi Queen.' This C-130 took a 122 mm rocket just behind the right wing, delivered by '5 O'clock Charlie.' The loadmaster, A1C Norman Thomas, was killed in the attack.
The Queen is known as the most severely battle damaged aircraft to return to service. During her repair, she became a mortar magnet, and was frequently moved from one end of the runway to the other, during which times our Air Terminal Operations would move to the opposite end. I rotated out before she left. Ironically and tragically, the round that hit her was the only one received that day. She was due to stand down at the Air Force Museum, but was later destroyed in 1972 in another rocket attack at Kontum. Life-changing? I believe any intense experience is "life-changing" and being in a combat zone is certainly "intense". Besides the fore-mentioned forklift incident (and several other relatively close rocket and mortar impacts), I was extremely lucky when a sniper's bullet smacked into a sandbag next to my ear when I emerged from my hooch the morning after a ground attack. The enemy frequently hid in the French Village which was only several meters from our cantonment area. I lost friends in both hostile and non-hostile incidents. There were casualties due to friendly fire and "fragging". And so on and so on. How can one's life not be changed? The sound of a chopper still sets my heart to racing and I have to go ID it.
OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH ONE WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
I would have to say it was Clark. It was enjoyable mostly because my wife joined me there and where our daughter was born. The duty was hard, consistent and worthwhile, which gave me a sense of achievement and usefulness, as were all my assignments, come to think of it.
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| Day off in the Philippines with friends and family |
The local population was friendly for the most part and we had civilian acquaintances both on and off base. We also had several close friends in the AF whom we followed around from base to base as our careers progressed. I can only regret that we did not continue to keep in touch when I left the service. We learn too late! The photo is of Charlie Wood, John Murray, myself and my wife, Sharon, (with soon to be daughter, Stephanie) as we took some time off at Long Beach. We spent much time together, both on and off the job. My comrades were a great comfort to the both of us and kept an eye out for my wife when need be, as we lived in the barrios.
I can't say I had a least favorite tour, though Quan Loi should qualify for obvious reasons. Also, for reasons obvious to many, that tour has a great hold on me and is one whose memories I treasure. I had only three duty stations and all of them were exciting opportunities to experience new people and cultures, to meet new challenges and overcome them. Being in a Critical Career Field during wartime helped this attitude also, as I always felt that whatever job to which I was assigned was purposeful and important. Even if I include Basic and Tech School, I cannot say that I wasn't satisfied with most aspects of any of my assignments. As far as my time in the Army Reserves, that is a little different situation, as it is only a part of your life. Most of my time there was spent with the same core group of people, even though the mission might change over time. And as with any conglomeration of people, there were the good eggs and the bad apples. Most were good, of course, and I relished the camaraderie. I probably have the fondest memories of the 828th Quartermaster Company. as I enjoyed the 77F MOS and served with it the longest. My least favorite would have to be the move to Battalion since I didn't feel properly utilized. However, being with familiar friends and faces helped considerably.
FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE, INCLUDING COMBAT, DESCRIBE THE PERSONAL MEMORIES WHICH HAVE IMPACTED YOU MOST?
That would be my year at Quan Loi Army Airfield. One can never forget all the sights, sounds, smells, the adrenaline rush, the coming close to death and beating him at his game, the demands of the job at hand and knowing how much depends on you, the satisfaction that
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| Me, Willie Miller and Baby at Quan Loi |
comes with knowing your job and doing it well. Nothing before or since comes close and there is no explaining the hold it has on you. But the loss of friends, acquaintances and fellow airmen in your profession is the most powerful hold. It is something you must live with the rest of your life, that you came home and they didn't. The guilt is always there. The contradiction of the love and the hate of it all is the most difficult to reconcile. I suppose a "particular memory" that "stands out" would have to be getting blown off that forklift. Even today the memory is still clear. There was the whistle of an incoming rocket and almost immediately I saw the explosion in slow motion, like today's action movies. First a hole opening in the ground just to the right of my right fork, then the red flash gradually turning to yellow, then black; like a flower quickly growing, then dying.
The next thing I remember is lying on the ground with soldiers running from the waiting area to see if I was all right. I recovered just as they reached me and let off a stream of every curse word in every language that I knew at the SOB who had sent that rocket. At that, one of the soldiers said, "He's OK." The picture is of me and SGT Willie Miller, my good friend. Willie was a hard worker who could be counted on in any situation. He was the first person to run to the 'Quan Loi Queen' after she was hit, without regard to his safety from fire or further rockets. I put him in for a Bronze Star, but I DEROS'd before learning if Willie was approved for the medal. Among my favorite memories was a mixed-breed mutt named 'Baby.' Baby belonged to Jon-Jon, a soldier friend from Army Supply directly across the flightline from our terminal. She had the good life, eating real dog food purloined from the K-9 supply and showed no signs of mistreatment. One day she showed up at our hooch and never left. I have no idea why she left Jon-Jon or why she attached herself to me but whatever the reason, I will always be grateful. Jon-Jon did not seem to mind. Baby was now my dog with a steady diet of C-Rats or leftovers from chow. Occasionally I talked Jon-Jon out of some real dog food. I loved that dog. Besides being a comfort she was protective and kept her hated rats out of the hooch. I always wished I could have taken her home with me.
WHAT ACHIEVEMENT(S) ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER? IF YOU RECEIVED ANY MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS OR QUALIFICATION BADGES FOR SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT OR VALOR, PLEASE DESCRIBE HOW THESE WERE EARNED.
What am I most proud of? That is difficult. I would have to say it is that I feel I served my country with honor and integrity, both in wartime and in peace. Though not perfect by any means, I tried to do my best for my troops and my
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| Remains of a 107mm rocket |
country. I think what meant the most to me overall was to have to have a young soldier at graduation from Engineer OSUT declare that he was proud and pleased that I was the Drill who pinned on his rank. To be a positive influence on young troops is what one should hope and strive for.
I have a Bronze Star with V Device. It was earned for rescuing a wounded RTFLT (Rough Terrain Forklift Truck) while under fire. My certificate says I was blown off my fork by a mortar while transporting ammunition, recovered, chased down the runaway vehicle and brought it under control to save personnel and material. In all reality, we were under 107mm rocket attack and while backing out with a load of chain link fence, a 107 blew me off the fork just as I shifted into forward. Since the 10K AT forklift has a dead man throttle, the vehicle wasn't going anywhere very fast, particularly with two flat tires from the blast, so it was no problem catching it. The round hit just to the right of the right fork, any closer and of course the forklift (and me) would have been destroyed, any further away and I very probably would have received shrapnel. As it was, the two right tires took the brunt of the blast with a couple of inconsequential puckies elsewhere. The VC responsible got a full-fledged cursing out and I couldn't hear well for a couple of days. Regardless, this award was not "earned"; I was just doing my job and this was certainly not deserving of a BS, much less with "V".
OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR ANY OTHER MEMORABILIA, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH ARE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
This is a tough call. There are three very close contenders. I'm ashamed to say it is probably that BS with V though I feel it is undeserved. Because I was there, I survived!. The second is my Drill Sergeant badge. I pushed troops for three years and it is a very rewarding experience to train young soldiers. In close competition with that is my 1SG Diamond. Being responsible for a company of soldiers is a quite similar experience.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
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| The Three Amigos |
There were many officers and NCO's who encouraged me and led me to my full potential. I regret to say I don't remember any names or instances from my AF service. Maybe because in most cases I was part of a small team during wartime when there was not much difference in rank and where we all knew and performed our jobs well together as a team. Perhaps the most positive impact that I recall came from my Training Instructor in Basic. Though strict as he needed to be, he was also fair, patient and open to questions. I modeled my behavior as a Drill Instructor in the USAR on the way he had treated me. CSM Robinson and (then) CPT Goyne (standing to my left, respectively) were two who stand out from the USAR. Both were encouraging in my progression through the ranks and willing and able to advise and teach.
CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
While stationed at Quan Loi Army Airfield in 1969, an Army unit asked me to move their latrine for them. The latrine was located in the midst of the rubber plantation and the Army forklifts were unable to maneuver to pick it up. This was an easy task for our
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| Euclid 10K AT (All-Terrain) Forklift |
10K AT forklift with the articulated steering and long forks. Rather than building a raised latrine under which a partial 55 gallon drum was placed to receive the ablutions, this unit just placed the latrine over a large hole. When the hole was filled, they covered it up with dirt and started over. To continue the story, I moved the latrine over the new hole, parked the fork, and went into the Grunt's hooch to receive my pay, which we sat around and drank for a period of time. When I opened the door to leave, I saw my 10K sunk up to the axle in an old latrine hole which I had inadvertently parked over. Even the 4 wheel drive couldn't get me out of the hole and the machine was soon covered with toilet paper and crap as the wheel spun. The Grunts had to bring an APC in as close as they could, and put a pulley on a tree at the proper angle to winch me out. It was funny then and is still funny now.
WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
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| A toast to the dairy cow! |
I went to Cornell University majoring in Animal Science and was involved in the livestock industry for 40 years in various aspects and careers of research, artificial insemination, and herd management, involving mostly dairy cattle. In the USAR, I served as a Combat Engineer Drill Sergeant, a General Supply Specialist and a Petroleum Supply Specialist, rising through the ranks to Squad Leader, Section Sergeant and First Sergeant. I am currently recently retired and am still trying to cope with the extreme changes from a life of physical and purposeful activity.
WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am a member of the American Legion and the C-7A Caribou Association. I do not partake of any benefits other than bar privileges. I subscribe to the Vietnam magazine and to the Army Times and receive e-mails from the Army Times and Military.com. I am a lifetime member of both Air Force Together We Served (AFTWS) and Army Together We Served (ATWS) and have whatever benefits go with that. I contribute to the Army Historical Foundation and hope to live to see the museum when it is completed.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER?
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| Dressed for Success |
Having been a small team member throughout my career in the AF and particularly in VN, I have since pretty much been a loner. I prefer to have to depend on as few people as possible. I take full responsibility for my actions and the actions of my subordinates. I have a virulent love of country and family and will defend both to the death. On the other hand, how I was brought up prior to my time in the military had a great influence on my approach to my service careers. I was raised to have a high sense of justice, fairness, personal responsibility and respect for authority. All these qualities are important for a successful and satisfactory military tour of duty. So at what point my military experience influenced my civilian experience, and vice versa, is extremely difficult to determine.
BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE ARMY?
Don't fight the BS. It will always be there. Grin and bear it, ignore it, do yourself proud and always stand up for what is right. Given my experience as a Platoon and First Sergeant, I cannot emphasize enough that young troops need to take personal responsibility for their careers,
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| Takes everyday notes, it's important in the long run. |
even if at the time they are not thinking of making a career of it. Most importantly, make sure your personnel records are accurate and up-to-date and keep copies of virtually every piece of paper with your name on it, forever. You never know when you will need or want it. (Wish I had followed that advice when I was in the AF, if it was ever given.) I cannot recommend enough that you keep a diary of your time in the service. It can be short, cryptic notes for each day or detailed accounts of important events.
Our memories fade but the written account will remain true to the details and if it is something pertinent to a VA claim, you'll be glad you took the time to write it down when it happened. Also, include the names and hometowns of your friends so if you want to reconnect, you will have a place to begin. Again, advice I wish I had followed. Take advantage of all opportunities to improve not only your chances for promotion but also to enhance your whole life experience, education (both military and civilian), cross-training, extra duties, TDY's, etc. Don't just do as you are told, but seek out opportunities to add value to whatever mission you are assigned. Some of this, but not all, will be forced on you and much that should be will not. There is more, but you get the idea. I say again, take charge of your own career. Don't waste those years in service, but find the positive learning experience in whatever you do.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
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| In the Tunnels. |
TWS has brought me together with my fellow servicemen and women. I have not yet found anyone I have served with, but given only four years in a small team environment, that is not surprising. Also the years have faded the memories, so I may be missing some I have forgotten. At the same time, though I may think that my particular experience was exciting and unique, it is quite humbling to read the experiences of others; occasionally we all need to come to ground and put our lives in perspective. Overall, Together We Served has given me companionship that is difficult to find in a civilian world that is far removed from a military base.
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