Vico E. Henriques, an interview by Daniel McCool, November 9, 2004: Saving the legacy tape no. 729

Transcript (86 pages) of an interview by Daniel McCool with Vico Henriques in Arlington, Virginia, on November 9, 2004. This is from tape number 729 in the "Saving the Legacy Oral History Project

Henriques (b. 1930) joined the National Guard in 1947. He had been in the State Guard during World War II. In 1950 he was on a survey crew working for the Bureau of Land Management at thd Dugway Proving Grounds when a man came out and told him that he had been ordered to active duty because war had broken out in Korea. According to Henriques, 80% of the Utah Guard was called up on the first day of the Korean War. He recalls being processed and sent to Japan, then Korea. He was immediately transferred to the 1343rd Engineer Combat Battalion (Alabama National Guard)and put into an intelligence and reconnaissance platoon. He talks about being a Sergeant Major and what that means in the military, being promoted to 2nd lieutenant, and about army life in combat. Other topics covered include leadership in combat, the CIA, being a primate caretaker for the National Zoo, political advice from J.D. Williams, hunting game in Korea, adjusting to civilian life after the military, leading the "enemy" unit in field maneuvers, and receiving the Bronze Star. 86 pages.