How we label servicemembers

Question:

Did we( fellow veterans ) divide our WWII vets by where they served like we do our Vietnam Vets ( combat vs era)? I never recall labeling my Father in that way yet that is how I am defined and judged as a Vietnam Era Vet. I joined and asked to be trained as a corpsman and serve in combat but the Navy said they had other plans for me. I don’t go to or join any military organization because I don’t feel qualified or honored to belong, yet I am proud of my service and how I served my fellow vets. As I age I lament how we label our servicemen and women.
Thanks for listening.

Jim's Reply:

I'd have to guess you're being a bit overly sensitive. WWII veterans are divided into European and Pacific battle theatres for a start. From there the number of sub classifications becomes too difficult to keep up with. I served in the Vietnam era and thought for sure I'd be a combat medic...after all, the Army trained me to do just that. They also trained me as a 91d20, an assistant in the operating room but I was given orders to attach in Saigon so my future in combat was assured. That is until I got to Dix where some of us were called out and separated and next thing I knew I was in Frankfurt, Germany on my way to my duty station at the 98th General Hospital, Neubrucke/Nahe, Federal Republic of West Germany. I served the rest of my time in a hospital working in the very sheltered and protected environment of the operating suite and the emergency room. I did what I was told and I did a very good job, I'm proud of my service. You should be too.