An American Hero in the Vietnam War :

Mark Dreste

By: Holly Paul and Annie Jenkins

Jogging Memory – Mark volunteered for

the draft, but he was drafted.

– He lived in St. Louis when he was drafted.

– Volunteered because he knew he would be drafted; did not want to go to boot camp in winter.

Experiences

-Served in the Vietnam War as an infantry man.

- Was awarded Purple Heart, two Silver Stars, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Combat Infantry Badge (CIB)

Geography- Was constantly moving throughout

Vietnam with his unit; could not stay in one place for very long.

- Had no knowledge of actual geography or location of Vietnam

- Guerilla warfare and jungles.

Life in Vietnam

-Kept in touch with loved ones by mail and, on occasion, radio tower.

- Received care packages from home, valued m&m’s.

- They were constantly on the move, had little time for entertainment, but told stories when they did.

After Service

-Got shot in the arm, bullet came out through shoulder.

- Got taken away by Medical helicopter.

- Went to an Okinawa hospital for 41 days due to injuries.

- Had light desk duty in Colorado for several months.

Later Years

- Worked at Monsanto for 34 years.

- Has three grown children and married for 35 years.

- Now works at St. Louis Connect Care.

Stories- Water Buffalo Story

- Elephant Hunting/ First Patrol

- Point man from Georgia

- Two weeks until discharge.