National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“He had been wounded in the shoulder and it was pretty serious,” Bales said. “They flew him straight out of Vietnam to the Naval hospital in Great Lakes, Illinois. After about two weeks we learned that he was going to be okay. However, it was a very traumatic experience for my mother, and really, for all of us.”

Two years later, in December 1969, Bales was a 20-year-old electronic and mechanical equipment installer when he received his notice to report for an armed forces physical examination. For the young men of Bales’ generation, the country’s last military draft was meant for one thing ― to add more personnel to the war effort in Vietnam.

“Within a week, I was on my way to Fort Leonard Wood for basic training,” Bales said. “I don’t remember a lot about that experience other than the rifle range and that they worked us hard ― running us all day and sometimes at night.”

From there, Bales went through Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Ord, California, followed by dog handler training at Fort Benning, Georgia. His next stop was Danang, South Vietnam.

“I flew over to Vietnam with a guy I met in long-range patrol training,” Bales said. “We were friends. When we reported for duty, they sent him directly to Chu Lai. Instead of joining him, they had me complete a two-week course on short-range canine patrols in Danang. When I finished, they sent me down to Chu Lai, so I went looking for my friend. That’s when I learned he had stepped on an anti-tank mine, killing him and half his squad. That was my introduction to Vietnam.”

For most of his tour, Bales and his black Labrador “Orange” were on-call for specialized patrols that required them to walk “point” ahead of those from the requesting unit. Alone and more exposed because of his position, Bales and his dog always were inserted into these areas by way of a Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopter.

“The pilots never set down because the units I was called in to assist usually were still in a firefight,” Bales said. “I’d have to jump with Orange in my arms, along with all my gear, from heights that could be 20 feet or more.”

When asked how he could make such jumps without injury, Bales replied, “there usually was several feet of elephant grass or something else that offered some padding. Otherwise you learned how to roll once you hit the ground and then you kept on going.”

Bales eventually finished his tour in Vietnam and once discharged, resumed work as an electronic and mechanical equipment installer. He married, had six children, and eventually settled in his wife’s hometown of Salisbury, Missouri.

“After I retired, I volunteered at our local food bank,” Bales said. “One day, Cindy Stivers, a Marine Corps Veteran herself and the Women Veterans Coordinator at Truman VA, came in and we talked about VA health care. That’s when I began to really think about the Department of Veterans Affairs. I’ve been receiving my care there for some time now and I think the VA is tremendous. In my opinion, Truman VA is the best hospital I’ve ever seen, and I’ve worked in a lot of them over the years installing equipment.”

After interacting with other Veterans, Bales began volunteering at the hospital. As an escort and ambassador, he has been part of Truman VA’s Voluntary Service program for more than 10 years.

“I served as a Veteran and now I serve Veterans,” Bales said. “I encourage anyone who is interested in giving back to our Veterans to contact Truman VA’s Voluntary Service.”

Each year on March 29, we as a nation observe National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The entire staff at Truman VA wishes to thank not only Mr. Marion Bales, but all our Vietnam Veterans and their families. We truly appreciate their service and sacrifice for our country.

For more information about Truman VA’s Voluntary Service program, call (573) 814-6218. To find out if you qualify for VA health care, call Truman VA at (573) 814-6535.