Jesse Brewer enlisted in Navy in 1966 and deployed to Vietnam in 1968. He is authorized to wear the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with four battle stars, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Purple Heart and the Silver Star. He also received the Sergeant Audie Murphy Award for demonstrating dedicated leadership and exemplary professionalism as an NCO.
Jesse Brewer (R) in Vietnam
After leaving the Navy in 1970, he would enter the Army, complete his dentistry degree, and serve another 30 years in the Active Reserves, retiring at the rank of Colonel.
Brewer’s father was part of the “Tuskegee Experiment” during World War II. However, because they began deploying airmen right away, he switched to the infantry so he could complete his college degree. His father served in Italy and would be awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. His father gave him some sage advice that led Brewer to the Navy; he would be promoted in rank after completing boot camp and allowed to choose his Military Occupational Specialty. He chose to be a Corpsman.
Right after his arrival in Da Nang, he had an encounter with older soldiers who told him that Charlie 1-9 was known as “the walking dead”. At the time, his unit was engaged in the famous Battle of Khe Sanh.
He describes the intense battle at Hill 689 that led to his Silver Star medal. As the Corpsman, Brewer was always the last man out. He finished triaging what he thought was his last wounded soldier when something in the back of his mind told him he was not done and should look around. He found a wounded soldier that was hidden out of sight. The soldier could not walk so, alone, Brewer carried him 600 hundred meters to the landing zone.
Given his father’s experience, we also discuss racial tensions during his time in Vietnam. Brewer adds that his status as a Corpsman meant his fellow Marines put a stop to any foolishness immediately.
TAKEAWAY: “My fear of being killed or wounded was overwhelmed by the fear of letting my fellow soldiers down.”