Vietnam: an Infantry and Cavalry Platoon Leader’S Story

Dennis Scheer was commissioned in the summer of 1969 as a second lieutenant in the US Army through the University of Wyoming ROTC program. He moved to Fort Knox, Kentucky, following in the footsteps of his older brotherdown a path that almost got him killed.

When he arrived in Vietnam, he was assigned to an infantry unit near Chu Lai. Midway through his tour, he was reassigned to a cavalry troop. Having fought with two combat arms, his experiences in the war were unique. Lt. Scheer was awarded a Bronze Star with Valor and a Silver Star, the third highest military decoration for valor, for his service in the infantry. He was awarded another Bronze Star with Valor while serving in the cavalry.

After returning home from the war, like most veterans, he experienced a series of emotional ups and downs. Now, in his memoir, he recalls the events of that period of his life honestly, from combat to adjusting to life as a veteran.