William Hinderer and Jeb Backe
Recorded
May 29, 2023
Archived
May 29, 2023
39:03 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
ddb002625
Description
William "Bill" Hinderer (78) talks to StoryCorps facilitator Jeb Backe (26) about serving in the Army during the Vietnam War. He reflects on enlisting, going through officer training school, and reuniting with his wife in Hawaii.Subject Log / Time Code
Bill talks about finishing college, enlisting in the Army, and going to infantry officer school.
Bill talks about going to Fort Benning, Georgia for officer school, getting married to his wife, and receiving his Vietnam orders.
Bill talks about returning from Vietnam and arriving in Hawaii.
He remembers being reunited with his wife in Hawaii.
Bill talks about diversity in the military. He reflects on how the military opened his eyes to all different kinds of people.
Bill talks about moving back to the East Coast after his service. He reflects on his path to finding a home on Peaks Island, Maine.
Bill talks more about his experience in Vietnam and reflects on how he put his officer school training to work.
Bill talks about learning in one of the first computerized classrooms at Fort Benning.
Bill talks about the leadership reaction test.
Bill talks about what being a "rescuer" means to him.
Bill remembers a time from Vietnam when everyone looked to him and reflects on being wounded in combat.
Bill talks about the letters he would send to his wife, and he reflects on the role of the mailman in providing encouragement to his wife.
Bill talks about his wife finding out that he was in the hospital.
Bill talks about the questions that civilians shouldn't ask those who have seen combat. He reflects on courage.
Participants
- William Hinderer
- Jeb Backe