My name is Franklin Covington, and I am a Vietnam Veteran.

My father is pictured here and served with the 121st Infantry, 8th Infantry Division and fought in Germany and was near the Rhine River with the Red Army. The regiment went into combat in Normandy, France, July 8, 1944. The 121st Infantry Regiment participated in the Normandy Campaign, Northern Campaign, Rhineland and Central Campaign.

They were Awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. He served 8 years in the US Army and didn’t talk about it much. I lost him in 1992 and found out a few years ago that he won 3 Silver Stars. I am so proud of him. Dad was my hero. I only wish that he had told us more. I think the war affected my dad because his temper would be something we didn’t like. He would pitch us up with one arm and blister our little butts. Dad purchased a farm in South Georgia and worked so hard to raise his children and provide for the family.

All of us, my two brothers and I served during the Vietnam conflict, as they called it. I served in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 101st Airborne and 82nd, Infantry 11 B 20 in Phu Cat Vietnam in 1968. My greatest fear was artillery rounds and the land mines. After I came home, I would roll off the bed and slide under the bed if I heard any thunder. It took awhile to realize that I was back in my Land of Freedom.

The reception returning home was okay for me. I kissed the ground when I arrived in San Francisco. Some beautiful lady ran and jumped into my arms and told me she loved me. I was planning on the quite opposite.

I worked in Law Enforcement 25 years with the Georgia State Patrol with assignments protecting two Governors and dignitaries from various States. I retired and have my real estate and security company at present. My hobby is working with my horses. I also purchased 400 acres of land to develop a resort for children of deceased Veterans and Law Enforcement to have summer vacations, all free of charge. I am currently working on the website for the resort to be called Three Forks Mountain, with a 35 acre lake on the property which backs up to the Talladega National Forest in Fruithurst, Alabama.

The opening is scheduled for the summer of 2016.
~Franklin Covington, Vietnam Veteran

We are grateful to Frank for sharing his service and story with Comes A Soldier’s Whisper, where we are all connected.
God Bless all who serve and keep us safe.

Veteran Tributes: www.VietnamAndBeyond.com

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