George Martinez
Learned to appreciate God,family and Life
San Antonio,Texas
March 24,2013
Christina L Leos
Palo Alto College
History 1302 - Spring 2013
INTRODUCTION
George was born on October 29,1946 in
Laredo, Texas to Mr and Mrs Martinez. Moving to San Antonio three moths after he was born.He had 5 brothers and 1 sister. As a kid " I lived in Los Alazan courts( San Antonio Housing)and lived through the westside of San Antonio. He mentioned his family did move around from house to house very often."Let me put it ths way I went to 6 elementary school. Graduating from Lanier High School he knew he was going to join the Army. He looked up to his older brother who was his idol growing up.Pete was in the Army and served 3 active years.George did marry Concha Duron in 1979.( However upon his returned he was going to marry his girlfriend at the time who he had been with for 6 years. Her name was Hope, she was killed in a car accident 1 month before his return. This hit me very hard).He has 1 daughter Dolores who was born in 1981 who has 3 sons of her own.Dolores is married to Alfonso who is in the Air Force and she works civil serive and they live in Phoenix,Arizona.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanier_High_School_%28San_Antonio%29ived his mom prayers got him back home safely.
![Who, What, Where, When](1960.jpg)
![Who, What, Where, When](HSGrad.jpg)
What did you know about the War?
I knew nothing he kinda had a feeling he would go to War,so when he got orders to go to Vientnam"I was like O my god" But also felt I was going to be like John Wayne.laughs
e
When you arrived at Vietnam, what did you think?
It was hot as I got off the jet and the smell of Amo,I got scared. Going through the process I remember the guys saying jokes about my job as an infantry.
What was your job?
I was infantry, my job was to kill.
What type of weapons did you use?
I had a M-16 riffle that I carried for 3 months and the last 9 months I carried M-60 machine gun.
What was the average age of soilders dying?
Between 19-20 years of age.
Did you know anyone who got killed?
My close friend Nelson died in my arms on December 1st 1966. We were like brothers he was 19 years old. I will never forget this.
What was the Agent Orange?
It was a spray a deloliation used to kill tress and destroy the jungle. To better see the enemy.When this was sprayed on tress, in 4 days that tree did not have a single leave. Very strong chemical used.When I got back home I did research about the agent orange it was a bad thing.He mentioned a lot of people got report to get sick by this agent orange like cancer rashes and birth in children.
What do you think about the movies about Vietnam?
Movies picture us as drug addicts,crazy guys. Thats not true.
![Who, What, Where, When](Soldier.jpg)
Did you get any days off?
During Vietnam War I was given 1 week of R&R ( Relax and relaxation)I was given I phone call, I called home and it lasted 5 minutes.
Any specail moment you rememebr while being in Vietnam?
Yes,back in the days as going through the villages I saw Kids. I love kids. The kids would point to thier skin color on their arm and point to mine and say SAME.
![document of _______________...](children.jpg)
Response
How long were you there?
It was a 1 year tour of duty unless you signed up for more years.
![Who, What, Where, When](soldier3.jpg)
Why did you get out?
I got out to help my family his family did struggle and he wanted to help his siblings.
How was it when you came back home?
I felt like no one gave a damm excuse my lanaguage. When I landed in San Franciso airport walking through the airport some lady came up to us and spit on us calling us baby killers. That was not true a lot of innocent did get killed.
![Who, What, Where, When](soldier2.jpg)
Was life different when you retuned?
When I left I was a sweet kid got back come and I was drinking,smoking I was a changed man. No one cared no one embraced us.
Any regrets?
No regrets if I had to do it all over again I would do it.
![Who, What, Where, When](Vet-Paper2.jpg)
Is there anything else you would like to add to this interview?
Response
![Your Name and Your Interviewee- recent photo- taken during the interview?](letter.jpg)
![Your Name and Your Interviewee- recent photo- taken during the interview?](recent.jpg)
ANALYSIS
I learned or should I say and question myself was this war worth it. From this interview a lot of innocent people,young people at that were killed and if not destroyed and it seemed no one embraced them.This is a sad situation having these men go and fight and no care.This affected the whole world, kids being pulled from here and there to go and fight I like to out that from this interview,George is very caring and had faith in the Lord.From the 1st day he left to Vietnam he took a rosary from home, from him writing to his mom on back of his picture and he mentioning he loves kids.I never did communicate with George other than Hi Chula,Bye Chula and ok Chula,ok chula came from this interview as I asked question.(chula means pretty)He has always and to this day still says Chula this is his way of a loving caring person.( not to mention he also greets my mom and my daughter with.. the word Chula,here I was getting all excited thought chula was just for me..laugh) I have alaways respected Geroge but after this project I am so honor and thakful I had the chance to speak to a Vet.if it has not been for my mom I would have never know George went to Vietnam War, I didnt even know he was in the Army until this interview. George is retired and enjoys his 3 grandsons who range from ages 5,7,and 11 loves to spend time when they come back home .I know now, how life percious can be and to cherish every moment live happy and in peace with one and other,you just never know what lies ahead.I honestly hope we as Americans never have to experience this again.This oral project made me realize even more to respect those who served in Vietnam War and not just say o..Vietnam oh ok. No I now will see these men with the highest respect for what they did it was a tough job and Thank You.I will not stop here but I will continue to ask question and if I come across someone from this era,.. well lets just say it will be a long converstaion.
Timeline
- •Born on October 29 1946
- •Born In Lardeo Texas 1946
- •Moved to San Antonio 1947
- •5 brother 1 sister
- •Graduated from Lanier High School in May 1965
- •Joined the Army in December 1965
- •Fort Polk, Lousiana December 1965 Basic training
- •Fort Gordon,Georgia March 1966 AIT
- •Orders for Vietnam War June 6, 1966
- •Returned from Vietnam War June 1967
- •Fort Hood Texas June 1967trained for riot control
- •Returned back home in December 1967
- •Married Concha Duron in 1979
- •Daughter Dolores Martinez born in 1981
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Laredo, Texas Geroge was bron in Laredo,Texas.
westside of San Antonio.Georege grew in the westside of San Antonio and currently lives in the pride of westside
Fort Polk,Lousiana9 weeks of basic training
Fort Gordon,Georgia9 weeks of Advance Infantry training
Lanier High School. Greoge attended Lanier High School
Return to Oral History Projects
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Gordon