For Roland resident Greg Williams, patriotism isn’t just a concept—it’s a deeply ingrained part of his identity. Born and raised in Roland, Williams’ early years were steeped in a sense of duty and a profound admiration for those who served their country. “I remember hearing my grandfather (a WWII vet) talk about the importance of serving one’s country, and I dreamed of being a soldier one day,” he says.
With a family history rich in military service, Williams’ path to enlistment felt inevitable. “My brothers joined the military before me, and I always looked up to them,” he recalls. As he approached the end of high school, the specter of the Vietnam War loomed large. “I didn’t want to be drafted; I wanted to make a deliberate choice,” he says.
So, with a mixture of determination and apprehension, he made the decision to enlist in the United States Army, knowing full well the risks that lay ahead.
“After joining the Army, I went through basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri,” Greg recollects. “It was tough, but I knew it was preparing me for what lay ahead.” Following his basic training, Greg was assigned to the renowned 173rd Airborne Brigade, known as the “Sky Soldiers.” Stationed at Okinawa, Japan, Greg underwent grueling training in airborne operations, jungle warfare, and combat tactics in preparation for his deployment to Vietnam.
“The 173rd Airborne Brigade was like a family to me,” Greg reflects. “We trained hard, and we looked out for each other. It was tough, but we were ready for whatever came our way.” The 173rd Airborne Brigade, also known as the “Sky Soldiers,” played a crucial role in the Vietnam War. As the first major U.S. Army ground formation deployed in Vietnam in May 1965, the brigade faced a myriad of challenges in the dense jungles and rugged terrain of Southeast Asia. Consisting of three infantry battalions, an artillery battalion, and support units, the brigade was tasked with conducting combat operations against Viet Cong guerrilla forces and North Vietnamese Army units.
During his time in Vietnam, Greg experienced the full spectrum of warfare, from grueling jungle patrols to intense combat engagements.
“One of the defining moments of my service came during the Battle of Dak To in November 1967,” Greg recounts. “We were stationed in the Central Highlands region near the border with Laos, and we faced relentless enemy attacks and fierce fighting against North Vietnamese Army units.”
Despite the overwhelming odds, Greg demonstrated courage and resilience, earning him the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in action.
“The Battle of Dak To was one of the toughest battles we fought,” Greg says solemnly. “But we stuck together and fought with everything we had.”
Returning home from Vietnam was a bittersweet experience for Greg. Like many veterans of his generation, he struggled to re-adjust to civilian life after witnessing the horrors of war firsthand. However, with the support of his family and community, Greg found solace in the tranquility of his hometown of Roland.
Today, he resides on his family’s property in Roland, where he shares a home with his daughter Allison and her family. Greg finds peace in the embrace of his loved ones and the tranquility of nature. Despite the challenges he faced in Vietnam and the scars he carries with him, Greg remains hopeful for the future and says that he is proud to see the service men and women now, and sleeps well knowing that the U.S. Army is still strong.
