Jack Thompson, 67, was a valiant tankman. He resolutely joined the military in 1975 and experienced a difficult and heroic period of the Vietnam War.
The Vietnam War, it was a thrilling time. My name is Jack Thompson, and I was a tank soldier who experienced too many life-and-death separations in that era. From the time I joined the Army in 1975, I knew what a daunting task and test I would face.At the age of nineteen, I embarked on a military road full of bitterness and glory with mixed feelings. The pride and worry of my family are intertwined in my heart, but I am convinced that the responsibility and glory of defending my country will be the background color of my heart.
The first time I stepped on the tank, I felt unprecedented shock and responsibility. We fought side by side on dangerous battlefields and supported each other. My four comrades-in-arms are the strongest support in my life.
In the smoke of the Vietnam War, I witnessed the cycle of life and death. In that battle, our tanks were met with a surprise attack by enemy troops. With the sound of ** and buzzing bullets, two comrades died, and the other two fell to the ground with serious injuries. I remember it as if it was yesterday, and the image in front of me is still unforgettable.
The bloody battle scenes are unforgettable. That fear, that sense of oppression, enveloped the hearts of every warrior. At the end of each battle, we have to face the ** of ourselves and our comrades. And I, too, were deeply struck by this cruel reality.
At night, when I am alone in bed, memories always come flooding back. In the darkness of holding my ground, I often wondered why I was fighting this war, why I was risking my life. Is it the feelings of family and country?Or young and vigorous?
However, it was the sacrifice and struggle of my comrades-in-arms that made me regain the motivation to move forward and my firm faith. Their departure has become an unquenchable flame in my heart, inspiring me to keep going.
In the final battle, I deeply felt the meaning and strength of fighting together. We stood under the fire, protected each other with our lives, and swore to defend every inch of land. Because we know very well that only by uniting as one can we win the war.
At that moment, I vowed to survive and continue the fight for our fallen comrades. And when I returned home after defeating the enemy, sadness and excitement were intertwined.
Now, the years have passed, and looking back, I am full of emotion. The war has given me endless trauma and challenges, but it has also sharpened my will and courage.
I can't thank you enough for those years of perseverance. Under the baptism of war, I learned to cherish the preciousness of life, and also learned the importance of friendship and family. Because only by experiencing life and death will you understand the true meaning of cherishing the present moment.
Today, I still remember my comrades-in-arms and what we have been through together. Their sacrifices will remain in my heart forever and inspire me to forge ahead and face life's challenges.