Library of Congress Veterans History Project

Interview conducted by Jeanne Czarnecki and produced by David Addison. Recorded at the Branciforte Branch, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, October 22, 2015.

Charles (Charlie) Gill was born in 1946 in the village of Ballston Spa, near Saratoga Springs, New York. After graduating from Cortland State Teachers College in 1968, he joined the U.S. Army and flew to Fort Fix, New Jersey for basic training. It was his first time in an airplane. Gill served in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970, starting with the 47th Regiment, 9th infantry in the Mekong Delta, and later rotated to War Zone C in the highlands and mountains above Saigon. He received his first assignment as a driver of an armored personnel carrier, but was soon promoted to fire team leader, and squad leader. He reached the rank of E5. Gill won various medals for his military service, such as Combat Infantry Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign and Service Medals, the Military Merit Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Bronze Star with a V. After returning home, Gill found it difficult to be readjusted to civilian life with his Vietnam experience, and with the realization that his fellow soldiers were fighting a war that was not winning for their country. Gill does not regret his decision to enlist in the Army. It is the military that taught him loyalty and discipline.