It must have been frustrating not to be able to talk to anyone about what you had been through for two years, two very traumatic years.

It didn't seem all that traumatic, because I was happy to be home. When people didn't want to be told about it, that was OK, I had other things to do. I was home, I was alive. I was mobile -- my leg was healing quickly. There was nothing to spend money on in Vietnam, so I had money saved up. I was able to buy a car, and relax, and enjoy? I could sleep, I could eat, I could do whatever I wanted ?- except drink, vote or buy ammo! I wasn't allowed the basic freedoms, but at least I could? relax. I was out of the Service, retired, with a monthly pension, and I was making up for lost time.

Did you have any plans at that time, any ambitions?

No, because I didn't expect to live. I made it back alive, so I took things, as I did in Viet Nam, one day at a time. I didn't have any control over money, because I didn't expect to live. That was imprinted on me in Viet Nam. When I got money I would spend it. I wrecked my cars. I was living dangerously and enjoying myself thoroughly.

How long did that last?

About four months.