This episode was recorded on November 10, 2020, the 245th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps.  We talk about an operation on January, 1967; drill instructors, and the lore of the Marine Corps.  Rick is a retired First Sergeant and the listening audience will find a bunch of information in this dandy little interview.  It includes three different versions, one of which is the original version.

WE all have our favorite tank platoon leaders.  Hank Fuller is mine.  In this episode Hank talks about his time in the grunts.  After his three months "pounding ground"  Lt. Fuller arrived at 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, 3rd Tank Battalion.  Hank will also share some of his work as a notifications officer in and around New York.  A specially moving story appears towards the end of this episode. Be sure and listen through the  end,  Music for this episode is Strange Days by the Doors. It is used by permission from ASCAP.

Music graciously donated by Country Joe MacDonald and Bob Belmont.  Intermissions a brief explanations of material that has been published but may need further explanation.  These are unscheduled and may be published at any time.

Episode 5 is an interview with Thomas "Sparrow" Moad.  Sparrow was the most junior grade Flame Tank Commander in Vietnam.  As a PFC (Private First Class) he was given command of a Flame Tank he nicknamed Aftermath, a reference to the Rolling Stones.  This is a fascinating walk in the boots of a warrior in a unique and frightening weapon of war that was equipped with napalm and a match.  Gives a whole new meaning to "crispy critters".

Our grateful acknowledgement to Country Joe for the use of his song Agent Orange.

Episode 4 of Tracking Our History is a talk with John Wear, President of USMC Vietnam Tankers Association. This is all the "hot scoop" on the USMC Tankers Association, founding, reunions, work, and membership.  Music is graciously provided by Mutt Cooper, writer/performer, and made available through one of our own, Wally Young.

This will be a unique listening opportunity.  Throughout the Vietnam War the focus, justifiably, has always been on the military.  In this interview we will hear from a family member whose brother was killed in Vietnam, the brothers experiences at the time of the incident, and how it has affected his life since.  This is a remarkable look into the heart and soul of a relative of a Vietnam veteran.  This is "don't miss stuff".  Music is used by permission from Concord Music. Thank you Wolfgang and LeAnn.

Come along with Roger "Blues"  Unland as he drives up to Con Thien and back to Dong Ha.  Along the way we will learn a lot about the Marine who was among the best tank drivers in Vietnam.  Listen in as he salutes another driver who "Blues" considers one of the best drivers as well.  Once again our thanks to Country Joe MacDonald and Bill Belmont for the music they so graciously donated to our podcasts.