Post on 28-Dec-2015
An American Hero in the Vietnam War :
Mark Dreste
By: Holly Paul and Annie Jenkins
Jogging Memory – Mark volunteered for
the draft, but he was drafted.
– He lived in St. Louis when he was drafted.
– Volunteered because he knew he would be drafted; did not want to go to boot camp in winter.
Experiences
-Served in the Vietnam War as an infantry man.
- Was awarded Purple Heart, two Silver Stars, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Combat Infantry Badge (CIB)
Geography- Was constantly moving throughout
Vietnam with his unit; could not stay in one place for very long.
- Had no knowledge of actual geography or location of Vietnam
- Guerilla warfare and jungles.
Life in Vietnam
-Kept in touch with loved ones by mail and, on occasion, radio tower.
- Received care packages from home, valued m&m’s.
- They were constantly on the move, had little time for entertainment, but told stories when they did.
After Service
-Got shot in the arm, bullet came out through shoulder.
- Got taken away by Medical helicopter.
- Went to an Okinawa hospital for 41 days due to injuries.
- Had light desk duty in Colorado for several months.
Later Years
- Worked at Monsanto for 34 years.
- Has three grown children and married for 35 years.
- Now works at St. Louis Connect Care.
Stories- Water Buffalo Story
- Elephant Hunting/ First Patrol
- Point man from Georgia
- Two weeks until discharge.