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Description
Oral History interview of Gerald Odom. Interview conducted by Theodor, Theo; Williamson, Ryan at University of Central Florida- Orlando, FL.
Log
0:56 Biographical information; 1:48 Pre-military education; 2:00 Decision to join military; 2:25,Flight school; 3:14 Aircraft flown; 4:00 Going to Vietnam; 4:45 Assignment in Vietnam; 6:04 Unit's role; 6:20 Individual role; 7:15 Typical day on duty; 8:35 Equipment and weapons used; 9:50 Local interactions; 10:48 Relationships and interaction within unit; 12:29 First day on base; 14:15 Most memorable moment/ second injury; 20:35 Medical treatment; 21:20 Leaving Vietnam; 22:51 Medals and awards; 23:53 Reception back home; 24:06 Transition back into civilian life; 24:55 Keeping in touch with other vets; 25:27 Advice for next generation of enlisted; 26:02 Closing comments.
Date of Birth
1945-10-07
Place of Birth
Orlando (Fla.)
Gender
Male
Race
White - Non Hispanic
Home State
Florida
War or Conflict
Vietnam Era
Status
Veteran
Begin/End date of Service - 1st
1967-07-09
Type
Video; MovingImage
1970-07-09
Entrance into Service
Commissioned
Branch of Service
U.S. Army
Unit of Service
3rd Squadron, 4th Calvary, 25th Infantry Division, Republic of Vietnam
Location of Service
Vietnam
Highest Rank
Captain; CPT
Prisoner of War
Unspecified
Service Related Injury
Yes
Battles
Unspecified
Medals
Silver Star Medal; Bronze Star; Army Commendation Medal; Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal; Purple Heart; Gallantry Cross (Vietnam)
Achievements
Top five in flight school graduating class; Light Scout Platoon Leader in VN from Dec 68-Jul 69
Note
In many battles but with no names from Aug 30, 1968 to Jul 6, 1969 in Vietnam. More medal details: Army Commendation Medal for Valor, Purple Heart with one oak leaf cluster.
City of Birth
Orlando
Country of Birth
United States
Interviewer
Theodor, Theo; Williamson, Ryan
Interview Date
7-15-2014
Location of Interview
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL.
Subjects
Odom, Gerald A.; Vietnam War, 1961-1975 -- Personal Narratives; United States. Army
Collection Description
Contains logs, audio and video recordings of interviews with Central Florida's veterans as part of a history class project for the students at the University of Central Florida (UCF). The UCF Community Veterans History Project(CVHP) started in fall 2010. It collects, preserves, and makes accessible to the public the experiences of Central Florida's veterans so that future generations will better understand the realities of conflict. It is a collaborative endeavor supported by multiple departments and offices at UCF. The veterans' histories are archived and made digitally available through the UCF library and selected materials are contributed to the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress.
Contributor Affiliation / Organization
RICHES; University of Central Florida
Contributors
Theodor, Theo; Williamson, Ryan
Length of Interview
27 Minutes
Publisher
Department of History, University of Central Florida
Type
video
Rights
All rights are held by the respective holding institution. This material is posted publicly for non-profit educational uses, excluding printed publication. For permission to reproduce and/or for copyright information contact Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, (407) 823-2576. http://library.ucf.edu/about/departments/special-collections-university-archives/
Repository
University of Central Florida Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
Contributing Project
UCF Community Veterans History Project
Document Type
Interview
Recommended Citation
Central Florida, RICHES of, "Odom, Gerald A. interview" (2014). Veterans Oral Histories. 241.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/veteransoralhistories/241