I can’t imagine what conditions are like inside a tank, particularly during an attack. Even more so, I can only imagine what it would be like inside a tank in the hot and steamy environment of Vietnam. Clyde Brewer II of Windsor experienced it firsthand.
Clyde Brewer II
After Army basic training, Clyde was assigned to the tanks. With this assignment, he was certain he wouldn’t go to Vietnam, instead of more than likely sent to Germany. He trained and became a tanker with the 2nd Battalion of the 34th Armor Regiment. His assumption was wrong as his unit was sent to Vietnam.
M548 cargo carriers and M48 tanks from Headquarters Company, 2nd Squadron, 34th Armor, 25th Infantry Division, head for a night defensive position at the base of Nui Ba Den Mountain, February 1970.
One would assume tanks wouldn’t be suitable in the jungles and soggy landscapes of Vietnam. During the monsoon season, they weren’t. During this time Clyde’s unit would guard supply convoys as they went up and down Highway One, the major north-south route in Vietnam. The dry season did allow them to be in the field for attacks and support. One of the worries with the crews during this time wasn’t attacks from distant tanks in a tank battle. The big worry was point-blank attacks. Because of the thick vegetation, hidden enemy soldiers could often come right up to the tank to try and destroy it. During one such attack on his tank, Clyde was badly wounded and he received the Purple Heart. That date, April 23, 1967, is one forever etched in his memory.
Clyde has strong feelings and respect for his fellow veterans and does much to honor them. It’s understandable that he now does it in a way that is totally opposite of his days in the confines of a tank. He does it in the wide-open air on his motorcycle. He has ridden escort for Honor Flight caravans to DIA and numerous veteran rides and fundraisers.
~ Brad Hoopes is preserving the stories of veterans. For more veteran’s stories visit www.rememberandhonor.com for the recent book, “Reflections of Our Gentle Warriors.”