James Bridegroom

James Bridegroom, born on August 22, 1950, served in the United States Army for 9 years.

Rank/ position: E5.

Stationed/ deployed: Vietnam, Washington State.

James said his brother served in the Marines for 5 years. When asked what inspired him to join the military, he said he was drafted.

His role or job during his service was hospital supply sergeant at a hospital in Washington State when returning from Vietnam.

When asked if he remembered his first day of service or boot camp and what it was like, he said that it was "just Induction Day."

James served during the Vietnam War. During his time in the Army, he traveled outside of the U.S. to Vietnam and South Korea, and inside the U.S. he traveled to Washington, Fort Lewis, WA, and Fort Ord, CA.

His proudest memories from his time in the military was making a lot of friends. "I would have stayed in but they made me take a medical discharge because I was bleeding from my stomach."

James shared a funny moment with About how the South Vietnamese citizens were always trading items. "It was pretty funny because one time I traded cigarettes for a German lounger gun. I don't know where he got it but it wasn't used in the Vietnam War."

James mentioned having to put up with people that are higher ranked was the most challenging part of his service. Diesel mechanics is something he learned in the military.