No. 12 James E. Slade, 2014

File — Box: 1, Folder: 12

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

James Slade talks about his early life in Colorado and Utah. Shortly after Mr. Slade returned from an LDS mission in England he was drafted and sent to Vietnam. Slade went to Fort Ord in California for basic training. After Fort Ord, he was sent to Fort Gordon in Georgia where he trained to be an infantryman. Slade then went to parachute jump school in Fort Benning in Georgia. He was then sent to Vietnam. Slade describes arriving in Vietnam and joining the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol. He details some of his 42 missions, including his experience in the Ia Drang Valley. Slade compares his experience on an LDS mission to his time in Vietnam. He explains his opinions about the war and its consequences. Slade also talks about the changes he saw in Utah and the country as a whole after returning from the war. He describes his struggles transitioning back into civilian life. After returning, Slade helped fundraising efforts for a Vietnam War memorial. Slade also talks about the media’s portrayal of the war.

Interviewer: Vicky Newman

Dates

2014

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.