1. Name, age, place of residence.

    2. Jose M. Cao, 55 yrs. old, Live in Miami, Florida

  2. Time and place of birth.

    3. Born 04/25/1947 in Havana, Cuba

  3. When and where entered military service.

    4. Entered May 14, 1968 in Miami (at Coral Gables, Florida; Aurora Street) very famous around here.

  4. Why entered military service.

    5. Was drafted, and was very proud to serve the country that helped me and my family when we needed it the most.

  5. Where received military training.

    6. Basic was in Ft. Gordon, Ga. Advance Infantry Training in Ft. McCleland Alabama; "Tiger Land"

  6. Type training received.

    7. MOS was 11B10; Infantry.

  7. When, where leave U.S. for overseas.

    8. Thru Oakland, California. Oct. 25, 1968.

  8. How transported overseas

    9. Tiger Airlines? I believe that was the name of the airline.

  9. When, where arrived overseas.

    10. I believe it was the same day, or one day later on the 24th, because of the time difference. Got in Bien Hoa. After a couple days went up to Chu Lai, then to Duc Pho. For

    about four days, in country training then to the field. Out to near the Cambodia border, our Area of Operations.

  10. Unit served with.

    11. Only with only one Americal Division; 11th Light Infantry Brigade; Co. D, 1/20th.

  11. Job duty.

    12. Grenadier (M79); Infantry.

  12. Locations.
    13. <

    Mainly around close and into Cambodia border. Got wounded in the Shooting Gallery? Believe that is the name. All choppers use to get shot at because to reach our Fire Base Volunteer the choppers had to go through two high ridges or something like that.

  13. Memorable locations.

    14. I honestly can say that all those high ground fire bases, up in the hills, were my favorite. The beauty when you look down was: No words. Except when you have to come down on maneuvers, search and destroy and the worse once came down to rice paddies and it was awful. Love the hills (mountains) .

  14. Memorable people.

    15. All the guys that I served with and must of all Our CO Capt. James Mason III, I believe was his name, good men.

  15. Memorable things.

    16. Fire fights at night also enemy harassment fire to our perimeter, with tracers at night and our response. Calling in artillery, after we overran NVA camp, seen the Willie Peter go off across the other side of the creek.

  16. Difficult times.

    17. Seeing my buddies get hurt, etc.

  17. Happy time.

    18. At the firebases after maneuvers, sometimes we were able to see the sunset and shoot the breeze. IT WAS A VERY HARD PLACE, WE DID THE BEST WE COULD.

  18. Living conditions.

    19. In the field, HORRIBLE, especially with the monsoon. You have to be there. I would not change the experience for anything.

  19. Feelings about service.

    20. I am very proud of my service to my country. When I went to Nam I was a Cuban refugee, this does not make anything special but; I believe the least I could do for the country that took my family and I in the moment we most needed it. I WOULD NOT HESIATE TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN IN A HEART BEAT. I, all of my fellow veterans (majority), hold OUR HEAD VERY HIGH, AT LEAST "WE PUT OUR PASTE TO THE MUD", and that is what counts.

  20. Awards and decorations.

    21. CIB, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Ribbon, VN Gallantry Cross w/Palm, VN Service Medal, VN Campaign Medal.

  21. Highest rank.

    22. PFC

  22. When, where leave service.

    23. Was retired because of physical disabilities on Oct. 9th, 1969.

  23. Where after service.

    24. Back to Miami, in my parents home.

  24. Activities after service.

    25. Work in family business, went to college, got married in 1976. Had health problems for a long time started college again in '76 graduated then again health problems (PTSD). Went back to university in 1986. Doing great now. Not working, living on my disability.

  25. Occupation after service.

    26. Ran family business until sold, then went completely 100% to disability compensation.

  26. Spouse and children.

    27. Wife: Ali; Daughters: Jennifer, 22; Katherine, 20.

  27. Hobbies.

    28. Helping others (vets), reading about VN, buildings, art, ancient history, etc.

  28. Contact with buddies.

    29. With the one I served with, almost none (one or two) with other VN vets, old friends that we all belong to the same post (vet. organization), we spend lots of time together.

  29. Veterans activities.

    30. Yes the more the better, I want to show people that even though they turned their back on us (I got spat on coming home walking in my training prosthesis). They say that the VN vets are great. At times I wonder how sincere they are. Again show them that we are not going away that we are proud and We Serve Our Country and did not run to Canada or any other excuse. I've always said we, the VN vet and all vets, are in fashion and people love to get in the wagon. How many are really sincere about it?

  30. Other comments.

    31. See Item #29.