Peter Tracy
Santa Rosa, Ca
maford@aol.com
I am Peter Tracy, age 56.
I was drafted into the Army
after numerous attempts to get out. By
September of 1969 I was with the 52nd
Signal Battalion about 100
miles SE of Saigon at Can Tho. My job
mainly consisted of delivering radios to
the troops. Sometimes I would take a
chopper but mostly I drove trucks or
jeeps. I was also required to guard VC
prisoners. After four months of getting
increasingly depressed I attempted
suicide by taking 2 bottles of downers.
It almost worked but some buddies found
me and pumped my stomach. After a month
at a hospital in Saigon they sent me
home.
(See letter from my captain
below.)
Like other vets I thought once I
got back everything would be
ok. I discovered I didn?t fit
in anymore. What I had been through
changed me. It also led me to the work
I?ve been doing for 20 years helping the
mentally ill become independent. I
suppose I can thank the Army for my
career.
I have spoken to some college
and high school classes about my
experience ? it?s never easy. Also I?ve
been with my two activist teenage boys on
protest marches is San Francisco and
Santa Rosa.Now I feel compelled to do
more. Our country is being ruined by Bush
& Co and I want to add my voice to
stop these warmongering fascist assholes.
It?s time to speak out?while we still
can.
Below is a statement from my
Captain (Co A 52nd Signal Bn) upon my
discharge.
Since assuming command of
Company A, 52nd Signal Battalion on 1
December 1969,, I have had continued
problems with PFC Peter L Tracy. I have
counseled him on numerous occasions
concerning his indifferent attitude and
intolerable behavior.
PFC Tracy displays a very
destructive attitude, a complete
disregard for authority and is a
hindrance to good order within this unit.
In my talks with PFC Tracy I have noticed
a nonchalant, careless attitude. It is my
opinion that rehabilitation is not
feasible as attempts within this unit
have proven to be fruitless.
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