Charles Stroud - U.S. Army 1968-69 (Infantry, Vietnam)

Video Description

Charles Stroud was born and raised in Louisiana and joined the Army in 1968 after leaving LSU, motivated by a desire to test himself and serve his country. His goal was to fly helicopters but did not complete flight training and was transferred to the infantry arriving in Vietnam in March 1969 serving with the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment as an M60 Gunner. Charles also trained as a Night Sniper and served as Squad Leader. In late 1969 Charles had a premonition that he was going to be shot and said to his Sergeant, “I’m supposed to go on R&R tomorrow, you need to get me out of the field today”. Later that same day Charles was seriously wounded by shrapnel after a land mine exploded. Treated initially in Vietnam then transferred to Japan and later to American hospitals Charles’ rehabilitation was largely self-directed due to limited physical therapy and psychological support at the time. He eventually regained mobility through his own perseverance. 0:00 - Opening Credits 0:23 - Charlie Stroud Intro 2:03 - Republic of Vietnam here I come 3:42 - 1st day in the field 4:31 - Dragon Valley 5:42 - AKA Killer McKeller 7:01 - Worst day in Vietnam 11:45 - 90 day cycle then R&R 13:13 - 1362, old Green Beret base 16:05 - Squad leader/sniper 17:14 - Wounded in action 24:53 - Long road to recovery 27:52 - Final thoughts