From A Medic's Journal
Ezbon Jen served in the U.S. Army as a Medic in Vietnam for 13.5 months between 1968 and 1970. With "1A0" status he served in combat areas without having to carry a weapon.
Drafted in 1968 Ezbon's Teaching skills were recognized by superiors and plans were made to have him teach Nursing recruits at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. As fate would have it, Ezbon's education career would have to wait until discharge as his orders came through for deployment to Vietnam.
While serving in Vietnam Ezbon's call to serve resonated well in the role of Medic. Treating his brothers (there were no U.S. women combatants) and with his commanders permission, Vietnamese civilians on occasion, had a career changing detour effect: Following discharge, Ezbon switched from his pre-draft PhD path in Oceanography to one in Public Health.
In the thick of it. Tangled jungle growth created much cover for booby traps and ambushes. The absence of any children in villages also was a red flag warning that the enemy was near.
Ezbon found opportunity as did other enlistees including Army Nurses to treat civilians He knew his first priority were his brothers in arms, and kept his 65 pound backpack pharmacy prepared for combat casualties,
The heat was relentless.
Reflecting and recording the multitude of new memories, Ezbon describes in his journal has preserved much of those 13.5 intense and life changing months. Inserted below is the account read at our Veterans Day recognitions last week. Peter Banks, MJ Girard, Steve Olsen, Del Raby, ,John Stark, Peter Treleaven, and my apology to the Coast Guardsman whose name eludes me.
Veterans, TELL A STORY!!
