My name is Denny Gillem. Although no other family members in my direct line served in the military, my grandfather’s uncle commanded Gillem’s Cavalry in the Union Army of Tennessee during the Civil War. There was another relative whose name is the same as my grandfather who was a general on General Patton’s staff in World War III. Fort Gillem in Atlanta, Georgia is named for him.

Plebe year at West Point was tough. I found that I really related to the discipline and value system at West Point. After almost a year at Fort Carson, I was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division (1st Bn, 18th Inf) in Vietnam. I served as a rifle platoon leader for 6 months, and then I was selected to be the aide to one of our assistant division commanders.

As a rifle platoon leader (1965-1966), I was often in contact with the enemy. As an aide de campe (1966), I got to see the war from a new perspective. As a rifle company commander (1967-1968) I along with my unit was regularly in contact with the enemy-very intense fighting. Although some of the combat events, specifically the deaths of some of my men were very hard on me- and I can re-live them now.

After 22 years in the Army, I retired, found a job, and began my life as a civilian. I feel honored when people thank me for my service today.
~ Lt.Col. Denny Gillem, Vietnam Veteran, 101st Airborne

You can read Denny Gillem’s entire story with over 30 other veteran’s stories in the book VIETNAM And Beyond and follow Col. Gillem on FrontlinesOfFreedom.com, a Military News & Talk Radio show.

Comes A Soldier’s Whisper, remembering our veterans and soldiers one day at a time…
www.VietnamAndBeyond.com