Gay, Walter, MSG

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE ARMY.
I joined the US Army in Mar 1970, due to an overwhelming decision on my part. My career path at that point was knowing I was going to Vietnam as a Infantryman Grunt.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BASIC TRAINING AND WHAT UNITS, BASES OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
In my earlier years it was as 11B Infantryman Grunt, Rifleman, asst M60 MG, and Aerial Door Gunner. In VIETNAM from 9 Sept 1970 through 8 Apr 1971 with Co B 1st Bn 6th Inf, 198th LT Inf Bde, 23rd Inf Div (Americal Div) and Co A, 123rd ABN (Peligans) 23rd Inf Div (Americal Div) from 25 Apr 1971 thru 9 Sep 1971

Later on in my years in MOS: 92Y50 as Senior Supply Logistical NCO Field as MSG E8, from 1978 through 2005, while serving with HQs 167th CSG,During Operations IRAQI Freedom II, and during Task Force Danger, FOB Speicher, TIKRIT, IRAQ.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
My combat operations in VIETNAM were during Counter Offensive Phase VII, and Consolidation 1, from 9 Sept 1970 through 8 Apr 1971 with Co B 1st Bn 6th Inf, 198th LT Inf Bde, 23rd Inf Div (Americal Div) and with Co A, 123rd Avn Bn (Peligans) from 25 Apr 1971 thru 8 Sep 1971 while serving in the Republic of Chulie, Vietnam.

My Combat operation during Operation IRAQI Freedom II, and during Operations Task Force Danger, was while serving with HQ 167th CSG under direct Logistical support to the 1st Inf Div, on FOB Speicher, TIKRIT, IRAQ from from Mar 2004 through Nov 2004.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
I have many good memories of my service career, but the ones that stand out is my service in Vietnam with Co B 1st Bn 6th Inf, third Platoon, (Dirty Heard) from 9 Sep 1970 through 25 Apr 1971. With the likes of SP4 Karl Arnold, SGT Dennis Lynn, SGT Ray Mendez, and SGT Ray Tyndall, and 1LT Henry Schutz,III, and SP4 Dick Kurtenback and SP4 Billy Jackson, SP4 George Leger, and SP4 Darrel Kibbee, SGT Gorden Magalis, SP4 Dwight Syverson, SP4 Tim Sullen and SGT Tom Schrock, SP4 Gene Arnspiger, SP4 Dave Underwood, and others of the 3rd platoon.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
My CIB is my most important Military award, it was earned in Vietnam while serving with Co B 1st Bn 6th Inf, 198th LT Inf Bde, for combat operations while under fire and hostile operations received on effective date of 13 Oct 1970, Special Order Number #329 dated 17 November 1970.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
CIB, earned for Combat operations under hostile fire while serving in Vietnam.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
LTC Gavin Heater, S-4 Section Supply Officer, with HQs 167th CSG, during Operations IRAQI Freedom, under direct Logistical Support to the 1st Inf Div. During Operation Task Force Danger, at FOB Speicher, Tikrit, IRAQ for his Leadership and Logistical knowledge..

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Yes, I had many laughs with the members of the S-4 Section while serving in IRAQ. And CW4 Tom Dailey was always there to support the section members and make them laugh with his jokes.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
I retired as MSG E-8 , PDRL, on, 5 Mar 2010 from the US Army.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
CIB Association, the honor to serve with CIB Infantry Solders that served in all combat wars both WWI and WWII, Korea War, Vietnam War and the War in IRAQ. And the 23 Infantry Div (Americal Division) Veterens Life Time Member, For serving with Co B 1st Bn 6th Inf (3rd Platoon Dirty Heard), 198th LT Inf Bde, 23rd Inf Div (Americal Div) in Chulie, Republic of Vietnam. From 9 Sep 1970 thru 8 Sep 1971.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
The military has given me the leadership, morale, courage and selfless service in my sacrifice to my Country during my service to my Country, My Quote is: "Mission First, But Solders Always". Duty, Honor, and Country.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE ARMY?
To all Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and Coast Guard Members still serving there Country; GOD BLESS YOU ALL. Thanks for your service to your Country, the Good Old USA.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.

TWS and the US Army

Members and Staff of Together We Served; Thank You all for putting this together. This is the best site ever to be able to stay in contact with service members that you served with. Thanks again.

DB 7/7/2016