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SMJ Paul Hershey – a U.S. Marine
Episode 3296 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Marine Vietnam Vet SMJ Paul Hershey. The featured story is titled: Sgt. Maj. Paul Hershey – a U.S. Marine, Part 1. It appeared on the Appen Media Group website and was submitted by Bob Meyers.
Meyers reported that Marine Vietnam Veterans represent one of the most courageous and dedicated generations in American military history, and the story of Sgt. Maj. Paul Hershey is a shining example of their greatness. Faced with the expiration of his student deferment in 1965, Hershey chose to enlist in the United States Marine Corps rather than wait to be drafted. That decision launched a remarkable 29-year career of service that carried him through some of the fiercest battles of the Vietnam War and beyond.
After enduring the demanding training at Parris Island, Hershey deployed to Vietnam, where he fought in major combat operations including Operation Dewey Canyon, Operation Hastings, the battles of Que Son Valley, A Shau Valley, Helicopter Valley, and the brutal Battle of Hue during the Tet Offensive. Like many Marines who served in Vietnam, he faced danger almost daily. His bravery came at a high cost, as he was wounded four times and spent nearly a year recovering in military and VA hospitals.
Yet, like so many Marine Vietnam Veterans, Hershey continued to serve. He became a drill instructor, helped train future Marines, participated in the evacuation of Saigon in 1975, and assisted in rescuing refugees fleeing communist rule. He also took part in the Mayaguez Incident, one of the final military actions connected to the Vietnam era.
Promoted to sergeant major in 1979, Hershey rose to one of the highest enlisted ranks in the Marine Corps. His career reflects the resilience, leadership, sacrifice, and devotion to duty that define Marine Vietnam Veterans. Their service under extraordinarily difficult circumstances helped shape military history and continues to inspire generations of Americans.
Listen to Episode 3296 and discover more about Marine Vietnam Vet SMJ Paul Hershey.
