My father, Julius “Jerry” Duane Weber is a Vietnam Veteran.

Dad enlisted with an Army Recruiting Station in early 1968. He was only seventeen years old. Joining the service was a family tradition, and I guess he thought it was his time to go. My grandparents had to sign a consent form due to his age. He was quickly sent to Vietnam after his specialized training with the U.S. Army 557th LE Engineering Company. He was listed a an Engineer Equipment Mechanic and Repairman. The medals received for his actions were the Army Commendation Medal, two Bronze Stars and one Silver Star attachment, as well as the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/device known as the “1960” bar.

Dad’s unit supported the 31st Combat Engineer Battalion, 20th Brigade and the 168th Engineer Battalion. They built roads and were referred to as the “Earth Eaters” for digging up the ground. They also repaired roads and worked on Highway 13, called “Thunder Road” which ran through the village of Lai Khe and was called by that name due to constant mortar attacks. These units along with many others were subjected to the toxic blend of herbicides, sprayed on the trees and vegetation that provided cover for enemy forces, known as Agent Orange. I know my dad developed several health conditions following his service, but issues related to this are not yet proven to be service connected after all this time…

I’ve been told by my relatives that Dad returned from Vietnam, not only a man, but a changed man. They said he seemed to always be on guard and angry at times. He would often awaken from sleep ready to fight. But this “changed” man was the only father that I knew and loved, in spite of his faults and flaws. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved telling jokes. I’m sure that Dad enjoyed the USO shows with Bob Hope, when they came to his area of Vietnam.

They say that a soldier often returns to the battlefield in his mind. Dad was no different and could not forget the past, and like many, he turned to alcohol. My father was only 55 years old when he passed away on October 8, 2005.

I loved him deeply and always will.

~Julie K. Weber-Torres, Author of A Daughter’s Hero, available @ www.amazon.com/Daughters-Hero-Mrs-Juli…/…/ref=sr_1_1…

We are grateful to Julie for sharing her father’s service with Comes A Soldier’s Whisper, where we honor those who served and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today.

God Bless all who serve and keep us safe.

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