Vietnam Veteran Interviews

Anthony “Tony” Marengo

Anthony “Tony” Marengo enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1958 and served at various duty stations across the United States before deploying to Vietnam in 1966. Marengo would spend roughly five years in Southeast Asia, fighting with Fox 2/5, Hotel 2/5, and the 27th Marine Regiment. His decorations include a Silver Star, Bronze Star w/Combat “V”, Purple Heart w/2 Stars, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy President Unit w/2 Stars, Good Conduct w/5 Stars, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service w/10 Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit w/Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign w/Bar, Meritorious Unit Commendation w/4 Stars, Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Unit.

 

John Bates

John Bates enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1966, and served in Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines during a 13 month tour in Vietnam. He was in eight major combat operations and wounded in battle three times: grenade shrapnel to the left knee and leg, a punji stake wound through the left foot, and a machine gun wound through the right chest which necessitated the removal of most of his right lung. After returning to the United States, he was medically discharged from military and began work on a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, then Master’s of Science in Secondary Education and Rehabilitation Counseling. In 1975, he rejoined the Marine Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant and became platoon commander of Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. He retired after 30 years of service in 2005 at the rank of Colonel.