Title

Oral History with Gerald Van Auken

Creation Date

April 18 2024

Description

2024.007.001    Oral history with Gerald Van Auken.  Much of the interview was off topic such as family history (prior to military service) and then subsequent work and marriage issues.  Probably an hour or so.  Resentful of great employment opportunities that he had to bypass due to an unwilling spouse - later divorced. 

Entered the service in September 1966 shortly after getting married along with buddies expecting to go into pilot training.  instead was assigned to avionics radio repair.  Unremarkable basic and advanced training before going to Vietnam in June 1967.  A number of instances of being transported to various assignments and being dropped off and not knowing where to report.  A lot of time spent waiting for equipment to show up in order to work on aircraft.  Related issues related to the difficulty in working on the Cobra helicopter gun ships.   Enjoyed flying on helicopters. Co-piloted one once.  Was in direct support during the TET Offensive.  Witnessed a large ammo dump explosion due to mortar attack. Met General Westmoreland twice.  

Positive view of his military experience,  Wonders about the possibility of having had a great military career.