Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran Bruce Lee Anderson. Bruce served during the Vietnam War.
Bruce enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1972 and received basic training at Parris Island. After completing basic training, Bruce received advanced training to become a fire direction control officer and specialized training in security and sniping.
While serving in Vietnam, Bruce spent much of his time with 4th Mike Battery of the 2nd Marine Division. There, he served as a fire direction control officer in charge of calculating firing solutions for M114 Howitzers. Bruce served in Vietnam until the very last days of the war when he was helicoptered off the roof of the U.S. Embassy in Saigon April 1975.
Following his service in Vietnam, Bruce was sent to the U.S. consulate in Hong Kong where he served as a Marine Security Guard. During his time in the security detachment, Bruce encountered many notable figures, including the Queen of England, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and former U.S. President Richard Nixon.
Upon returning home, Bruce received treatment for injuries he had sustained in Vietnam. Immediately following being discharged, he began a career as a police officer.
More of his story can be found at: http://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.65104/
Thank you for your service, Bruce!
Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.
Veterans History Project
This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.
Graphic by Tenzin Chomphel. Tenzin is an undergraduate junior at the University of California, San Diego, studying International Politics
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Thank you for your service, Bruce!