Roy C. Raisor’s journey to Vietnam began with a decision he made while serving in Germany. Germany had been good duty. He had friends, took courses, participated in field maneuvers, and enjoyed time in neighboring towns. But eventually, Roy began questioning whether he was making the most of his time in the Army.
He had been taught about patriotism by his parents and at school. He had learned about the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the World Wars, and the Korean War. He had even considered making the military his career. Sitting in Germany while soldiers were fighting and dying in Vietnam made him think deeply about what he wanted to do.
Choosing to Volunteer
Roy eventually decided that he wanted to volunteer for Vietnam. His brother Elmer had already rotated back to the United States, and Roy felt that he now had the opportunity to do his duty.
He went to headquarters and spoke with a Recruiting Officer who oversaw transfers. Roy asked to be transferred to Vietnam. He did not know exactly what waited for him there, but he believed he needed to follow his gut and do what he felt was right.
About a week and a half later, Roy received his new orders. He would first return home for 30 days of leave and then head to Vietnam. He packed his belongings and said goodbye to the friends he had made in Germany.
His friends did not want him to leave. They believed he was making a mistake by going to fight a war that, as Roy recalled, many people did not understand and did not support. Roy explained that he felt families and the country were making sacrifices and that he wanted to do something to help.
Thirty Days at Home
Roy headed home for his 30-day leave. His mother was proud that he was following his heart, although Roy knew she was worried. His family was also proud that he was serving and going to fight for his country.
Roy spent time with his friends and family during those 30 days, but the leave passed quickly. He remembered being anxious to get the ball rolling and begin the next part of his Army experience.
When the leave ended, Roy headed to the airport. His journey immediately took an unexpected turn when his baggage was lost after he arrived in Chicago. He had to stay overnight and notify an Army officer that he would be a day late.
When his baggage finally caught up with him, the plane company placed him on the next flight in a first-class seat. Roy remembered that it was the first time he had ever been in first class.
From San Francisco to Vietnam
From Chicago, Roy went to a post in San Francisco. It was a small rotating post where soldiers stayed only a few days before transferring to Vietnam.
There, Roy’s Germany uniforms were placed into a pile. He was measured and given a single set of new jungle fatigues, one set of underclothes, a pair of boots, and a baseball hat. That single uniform was what he wore when he flew from San Francisco toward Vietnam.
The flight was long. It included stops in Hawaii and the Philippines, where the plane remained for only a couple of hours to fuel up. Around 300 soldiers were aboard, with every rank represented, although most were enlisted men like Roy.
Meeting Fellow Soldiers
During the approximately 20-hour flight, Roy and the other soldiers used the time to get acquainted. He met the men sitting near him and, like many of them, assumed that because they were flying over together, they would eventually serve in the same unit.
They talked about having each other’s backs and being buddies throughout the war. They did not yet know what they were actually heading toward.
Eventually, the aircraft landed in Saigon. Roy’s journey from Germany was over, and his time in Vietnam was beginning.
A New Chapter
Leaving Germany was not simply a change of location for Roy. It followed a period of reflection, a decision to volunteer, time with his family, and a long journey across the Pacific.
He had left Germany as a young soldier who believed he needed to do his duty. He arrived in Vietnam with other soldiers who were still trying to understand what waited ahead. The next chapter of Roy’s story would begin almost immediately.
For more about Roy’s story and latest updates, visit his official website: Roy C. Raisor.
Get your copy of his memoir here on Amazon: Boy to Man in 365 Days.
