Army Father

Aunalatice Moore

Professor: Renee Waters

ENG: 202

25 August 2014

“T.J. Gordon Jr. SSGT”

This is a story is small town church boy from Petal, Mississippi. The memories were just like yesterday the first time I saw my father in uniform and realize the meaning behind the suit. T.J. was the eldest of four boys and he grew up in a time where black and white people were still divided. He was born June 6, 1948 to a Farmer’s son. He became of member of the men’s choir in 1957 at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. He attended Springfield Community School from the small age of 5 years old until 10 years old. The school was named after the Springfield Community. This school was built in the 1920’s and remained in existence until 1959. From there a new school was named the Earl Travillion Attendance Center. He remained at the school until he graduated May 17, 1966, at the age of 17.

On June 21, 1966, he volunteered and joined the United States Army. Two days later, he was taken to Fort Benning, Georgia until August 29, 1966. On September 6, 1966, he was transferred to Fort Eustis, Virginia, where he remained until October 29, 1966. Between this time he was allowed to go home for 30 days to visit with family. Then on December 3, 1966, he arrived on the battle grounds of Vietnam.

In Vietnam, he was assigned to “1097 Med. Boat outfit” in the Mekong Delta unit for one year and three day. His job title was special ops, operating a boat in Vietnam that traveling up and down the rivers and canals. At the time, he was shipped to Vietnam their was no training for black soldiers. This was is very first time operating the type of equipment at such a young age. The name of the equipment was called LCM8 and it was used to transport infantry troops up and down the canals for combat missions. During his return to the United States and his Vietnam tour, he returned home and much to his surprise things had not changed. At such the young age of 18 and seeing all of the...