Oral history interview with Winter S. Hess, 2001.

ArchivalResource

Hess, Winter S.,. Oral history interview with Winter S. Hess, 2001.

Oral history interview with Winter S. Hess, 2001.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/188030756

Winter Hess, an Auburn, Wisconsin veteran, discusses his Vietnam War service monitoring enemy lines with the Army. He talks about getting his induction delayed until the end of deer season, basic and advanced infantry training at Fort Ord (California), officer training at Fort Sill (Oklahoma), attempting to decline a commission, being given an artillery military occupation specialty even though he demonstrated a "lack of commitment," and ground sensor operator training school at Fort Huachuca (Arizona). As a passive ground sensor monitor he was part of McNamara's Line and the "Igloo White" project and he comments on the types and positions of sensors and calling artillery fire based on the sensors. Hess also mentions flying over the "I" Corps area with the Air Force, flying with Marines to drop sensors from 100 feet off the ground, and going on bombing runs with Air Force pilots to monitor sensors. Stationed at Chu Lai, he comments on being under rocket attacks and rifle fire and taking cover in fox holes. He recalls his last three months as non-commissioned officer in charge of Hawk Hill firebase's sensor team assisting the 198th Infantry Brigade. Hess provides a detailed account of several missions including one where an engine failed, another where his plane almost flew into an Arc Light B-52 strike, and another where the pilot became lost and they ended up over the South China Sea.

Sound recordings : 1 sound cassette (ca. 60 min.) ; analog, 1 7/8 ips.Videorecording : 1 videocassette (ca. 60 min) sd., col. ; 1/2 in.Master copy sound recordings : 1 sound cassette (ca. 60 min.) ; analog, 1 7/8 ips.Transcript : 26 p.

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center