Drafted and Sent to Vietnam in 6 Months
On March 19, 1969, Bill Pascucci was drafted into the United States Army out of Boston, Massachusetts. He began his journey at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, before transferring to Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he completed both Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training (AIT). Bill’s military occupation specialty was 11 Bravo, an infantryman, and their specialty was land combat.
“Within six months of being inducted, I was sent to Vietnam. On September 2, 1969, I reported to Oakland Army Base and shipped overseas. I was assigned to Charlie Company, 3/506 Infantry, 101st Airborne Division.”
Memories of Service
Bill’s very first day with Charlie Company set the tone for what was to come. Outfitted with an M16 and combat gear, he was immediately sent as part of an Air Assault Team to support Rangers engaged with over 200 North Vietnamese Regulars.
“My Company, of about 25 men were carried by Huey helicopters and dropped into a landing zone where the fight was taking place and disbursed into the jungle chasing the NVA Regulars and amassing 58 dead, with no US casualties. That day I was awarded an Air Medal, for “jumping” into a hot landing zone and a CIB (Combat Infantryman’s Badge) for engaging the enemy, my most cherished accolade of my service in the US Army.”
One of his most difficult memories came after returning from Rest & Recuperation (R&R). While preparing to rejoin his company, he noticed a letter marked “search mail” directed towards Leslie “Goose” Watson, one of his platoon mates. Search mail was a term used when a letter could not be delivered due to the addressee’s death.
“I immediately contacted the Company clerk to express my concern over this horrendous mistake, but I was informed that while I was on R&R, Goose was killed in action.”
Amidst the hardship, Bill highlighted the most positive aspect of his time in military service: the lifelong friendships forged in combat. “These are men that can be trusted and have trusted myself with their lives. There are no more noble and honest people in my life than these men.”
Bill’s Reflections on Supporting Veterans
“I believe the Veterans Administration (VA) has improved significantly since I returned from Vietnam. Most Vietnam Veterans were rebuffed by the VA as well as many Americans in the late 1960’s and 1970’s. Many never returned to the VA after their first encounter. I did not return until 2012.
He notes that while the VA has improved over the years, more must be done to help veterans transition from military to civilian life, especially when it comes to employment and community reintegration. “Help in this area is very important, and many veterans have not experienced adequate support when transitioning back to civilian life.”
Veterans Ascent and Our Role
Bill shared how challenging it can be for veterans to transition from military to civilian life, pointing out the need for real support during that shift. At Veterans Ascent, we’re dedicated to addressing those challenges by providing comprehensive support services ranging from employment assistance and housing support to community integration programs. We want to ensure that veterans do not have to face this journey alone, and our goal is to assist their ascent towards stability, belonging, and purpose.
Responses