Marc B. Puckett's interview for the Veterans History Project at Atlanta History Center

Catalog Number: VIS 201.0762
We welcome your comments on this interview at [e-mail]
In this interview Marc Puckett shares his experiences serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He recalls his upbringing, his father’s military career, and being in a patriotic family. He remembers being drafted into the Army, getting sick from inoculations, and the time period in between training and going to war. He describes the flight to Vietnam, his thoughts on the way over, and his first impressions of the country. Puckett talks about conditions in the field including the weather, insects, and making improvised shelter. He recalls details of missions, the feeling of being shot at, and being wounded in action. He discusses his life after war, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), his marriage, his careers, and hiking the Appalachian Trail with his dog.

[@KevinD-o8d]

I said it's Memorial Day and many should be watching these today. Search and Destroy day in and day out. If you got set down in Central Highlands man, you were in for wicked humps. Chu Chi in spring of 68 the B52 went up and down and basically stopped another Dak To. This man is very right, you will never be as close again as to that man you fought next to. You fought for him.

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Nothing more free than hiking the AT with your dog and the Lord's creation.

[@IntheBlood67]

Welcome Back,Brother! Loved the personal insights and memories!

[@jimfinn1043]

Sir you are one brave man and so humble

[@BarbTeetzel]

The Veterans are an amazing group of men ❤ Thank you for your Service Sir, it takes a badass individual to endure what you did during your time serving in the Vietnam War, you and the other men had an incredible amount of mental and physical physical strength. This 64 year old woman would have never have made it home, I'm a tough, determined ole lady, that said I know I don't have the mental fortitude these gentleman have. May God Bless our Veterans ❣️

[@mx-k]

Thank you Marc for the sacrifice you made and for sharing your experience. I love your positive outlook on life! God bless you and your family.

[@kentgregory3299]

I really like this man. Being his friend would be a huge blessing. He’s a good man. Had a couple re-listens. Thank you all for this.

[@elainemathews3008]

I could listen to Marc speak all day. He tells his story really well. Welcome home from NY

[@beckyumphrey2626]

He is an awesome Man. This interview confirms how messed up the Army is.. Threw them out to walk around in the jungle with no objective. Sure am glad I joined the Navy. :)

[@davelane4055]

Well Georgia a belated welcome home to you and all the brave Vietnam veterans WHOOAH

[@jackiemontogmery125]

Marc, thank you for you service. So glad you made it home. You had a rough job in Vietnam. You've done so much in your life. How great that is. My brother & brother in-law were both in Vietnam and made it home. They were fortunate to be in artillery. God Bless you. Grammy from Texas

[@carlpresley9097]

Marc. Carl m presley here again from the phone number I sent you. My son is a paramedic as what you have done. Love to talk with you. Take care.

[@carlpresley9097]

I was in I CORPS 697971 danang Hue phu Bai. I remember Christmas of 69. You could see all the fire bases out in the distance shooting up star clusters etc. We did tge same. Very memorial. Welcome home soldier. You're a good man.

[@garyluck8502]

Thanks for your service! Everyone please remember the ones that didn’t make it back home!! Thanks

[@lindajones8895]

Welcome Home to all Vietnam Veterans. Thank you so much. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸⚓️⚓️⚓️⚓️

[@diz3338]

Amazing story sir! Thank you for sharing your experience..And Thank you for your service!!

[@Americal1970]

What did we do...? 40 yrs latter , I herd Blocking force. 1st/52nd 198th light Infantry. AMERICAL. We might have bumped in to each other.

[@ytugtbk]

What a decent guy. (Unlike Ho Chi Minh who adopted a pseudonym "Man of Light" just as so many Democrats in the US do.)

[@KevinD-o8d]

All the cheap equipment was compliments of McNamara! He had it all down to a number and a price tag! Of course not his paycheck, that was spot on!

[@KevinD-o8d]

Great this troop made it home. Great soldier and I think the man also talking is a Vet, that is a retired Lawyer? If so your story was great also, you knew he was in the mess.

[@KevinD-o8d]

C's they were called and the jags in the rear always took the best to trade for etc. Tells u a little about it all right there.

[@wendyleewilliams1157]

❤I like him, MBP. ❤

[@TRIChuckles]

Well... you are different than me.... you Served. I didn't, for that I will never forget. What a Good man. You hiked the A/T. I always a couple of weeks at a time. Never the whole thing. I too am glad we appreciate Vets a little better. It can never be enough!

[@AllAroundAtlanta]

Thanks for your service! I was on a Coast Guard buoy tender that Christmas night on Miami beach. I was 17. I took the easier softer path. God bless you, I'm glad you made it home.

[@kennethprice5628]

Welcome home my brother...71 yo Navy Veteran

[@stokestomlin989]

😊excellent work! thanks very much!

[@spudnikca]

good interview. good to hear his post-war activities.

[@irenedemarco1354]

I cant imaging the stress of being on point as a "sniper" for the 5-6 months.... and the fact they removed dog tags...what a freaky situation... His courage and recovery...especially walking the Appalacian Trail was probably a heavenly, cleansing process....knowing he could bush walk in relative safety.... clearing the mind. Also as he stated, a gunship being able to pick him up within minutes of being injured horrendously.... that was so fortunate... And the 2 soldiers who knew how to patch him up, i cant imagine that situation with no real back up. Thank You For Your Exemplary Service... 💞✌️🙏

[@epicdudesproduction]

Wonderful interview, a real solider.