Jeff Daley Vietnam Veteran - MACV-Ord

Captured Weapon

Jeff Daley

Jeff Daley – Vietnam Veteran – MACV-Ord

Dates Served: October 1963 – Oct 1969  Duration 6 yrs 1 month
The base of Operation: Central Highlands Vietnam
 

 

Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) -288th Ordnance
US Army – Infantry MOS 11C – Heavy Weapons

 
Jeff Daley - 24th Infantry Division - Germany
 
 
24th Infantry Division 1st Battalion, Company C, Augsburg, Germany
 
 

OVERVIEW

The indirect fire infantryman is a member of a mortar squad, section, or platoon. The mortar has the most power and range of any weapon in an infantry unit.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Carry out scout missions
Locate and neutralize mines
Set up, load, and fire four types of mortars: 60mm, 81mm, 107mm, or 120mm
Employ crew and weapons in the offensive, defensive, and retrograde ground combat
Operate, clean, and store automatic weapons
Employ, fire, and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines
Employ, fire, and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines
Proficiency with the functions of all high-density light and heavy weapons
Proficiency with Map Reading and Land Navigation
 

AWARDS, and CITATIONS  

 

Military Assistance Command Vietnam

MACV

Military Awards

Presidential Unit Citation

Presidential United Citation

 

   

Army Meritorious Unit Citation

Army Meritorious Unit Citation

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jeff Daley served in multiple locations including Vietnam. There wasn’t much illumination on the ground as we begin a fast descent landing at the airport at about 0230. We rolled to a stop, and all doors opened to exit the craft. People on the ground were directing us to a warehouse-looking facility about 50 yards from the aircraft.
 
Jeff Daley Vietnam

Jeff Daley, Army MACV in Da Nang Vietnam (Right) with Dennis R Decker, USMC, 3rd Recon – Circa 1966

The first thing that hit me was the heat. It felt as if I was walking into a blast furnace, and just taking a breath was an amazing experience. The humidity was high, probably just this side of rain. We moved quickly to the warehouse with the yelling of the ground crews as our background. By the time we got inside, I was already sweating, and I was in excellent physical condition.

Saigon Vietnam

Once inside they had the soldiers move together as one group where we were debriefed and received additional orders. The Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) giving instructions was standing on a crate as he spoke smoking a cigarette. The thought that crossed the back of my mind was how could he smoke and still take a breath of air.

Early in the morning, I was to catch a flight to Pleiku in the central highland region of Vietnam and report to the Command Center in what was called Camp Holloway. Our Caribou landing was noisy as we landed on a PSP (perforated steel planking) runway, a first for me but there would be more to come. It was going to be a new day for Jeff Daley. Map of Vietnam

Vietnam took its toll during, and after the war.

  • KIA:     58,220 – 8 were female
  • WIA: 304,704
  • MIA:      2,338

After the war, it was the psychological effects of the U.S. civilian population, combat events, and the gift that keeps on giving called Agent Orange that created the path that each veteran took in civilian life.

Get additional information on the Vietnam War

 

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration

Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin Establish on 5oth Anniversary

“A Lasting Memento of the Nation’s Thanks!”

 
Vietnam Pin Front
  Vietnam Pin Back Side
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Purpose: To recognize, thank and honor the United States military veterans who served in the Vietnam War from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975.

 

Symbolism:

  • Eagle – The eagle represents courage, honor, and dedicated service to our nation. As one of the most recognizable and notable American symbols, it is emblazoned with distinction on numerous military insignias.
  • Blue Circle – The color blue matches the canton of the American flag and signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The circle shape and blue color also match the official seal of the Commemoration.
  • Laurel Wreath – A time-honored symbol representing victory, integrity, and strength.
  • Stripes – The stripes behind the eagle represent the American flag.
  • Stars – The six stars represent the six allies who served, sacrificed, and fought alongside one another: Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, and the United States.
  • Message – “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You” is embossed on the back, closest to the heart of the wearer. Also, the official name of the Commemoration is included to remind each veteran that this is a national initiative, and this lapel pin is the nation’s lasting memento of thanks.

Combat Infantry Badge

Criteria: The Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) is awarded to Army enlisted infantry, infantry or special forces officers in the grade of Colonel or below, as well as warrant officers with infantry or special forces Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

Combat Infantry Badge

Combat Infantry Badge