Alyssa Arcos and Kelsie Kneeland

Alyssa Arcos and Kelsie Kneeland

Period 4

Steve Fisher

Marine Corp, Communications

3 years and 3 months

2016

Steve Fisher

Steve Fisher was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His father was an immigrant from Czechoslovakia.He had four other brothers, one of which is his twin. As a young child Mr. Fisher lived a “very simple life.” He spent much of his time with his older brothers. His brothers often acted as fathers to Mr. Fisher after he lost his mother at the age of twelve. Years later, after high school, he had to decide whether he was going to get a job, begin college courses, or join the military. He and his twin brother decided to both join the military, and enlisted for 4 years of service in the Marine Corps in February of 1966. Shortly after enlisting, Mr. Fisher started boot camp. He told of how boot camp was, “a change and a challenge both physically and mentally.” He stated, “During boot camp they can physically make you understand, let's just put it that way.” After completing boot camp Mr. Fisher went to infantry training, and then to communications training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, in San Diego, California. He then moved on to serve in the 9th Communications Battalion at 29 Palms Marine Corps Base from December of 1967 to January of 1968.

In February of 1968 Mr. Fisher was sent on a thirteen-month tour to Vietnam. He went to Vietnam on individual orders and when he arrived he was hit with “quite a shocking change.” He was station with 1st Recon Battalion in the North DaNang area. While in Vietnam, he experienced much rain, heat, humidity, and many monsoons. He explained the smell of the rice patties, the smell of the jungle, and the overall “smell of Vietnam.” Mr. Fisher shared how he “remembers [being] on patrol, slipping off the dikes and falling into [the rice paddies].” He told of how he was sent on patrol every couple weeks, and would sometimes volunteer to go. He also told of how “at first you think you’re invincible, but reality sets in in a hurry.” He often did not get much sleep the nights before going out on patrol or a night ambush. Many things had to take place in order to prepare for these missions, just a few being: preparing equipment, preparing yourself mentally, and resting as much as possible. While not on combat missions, Mr. Fisher took care of communications for the battalion. He told how “communications were the patrols life line.” He shared a patrol map of different routes taken.In the map, we can see the many checkpoints that are found throughout the areas, showing just how vital communications were to the Marines. Communications with his family was hard, he would every once in awhile receive care packages from them, but the prime source of communications with the outside world was through radio and few letters. This was the only way Fisher knew what was happening back home, and the way his family knew what was happening in Vietnam.

Mr. Fisher shared many of his experiences, one of these being about the opportunity he had to travel to Bangkok, Thailand. After 6 months in Vietnam, Mr. Fisher and some other Marines were able to take a five-day R and R. After arriving in Bangkok, he remembered the bliss of air conditioning and bathrooms, some things they did not have access in Vietnam. He also shared the experience of his Recon Team capturing three North Vietnamese Army soldiers. He told of how vital this was because of the ability to gain information from them.

Although Mr. Fisher arrived on an individual order, he gained relationships with other Marines rather quickly. The Marines spent their free time together at occasional USO shows thathelped them relieve some of the pressure of the war. “It’s tough mentally,” said Mr. Fisher, “losing friends and worrying about your family.” Although some close friends were lost, Mr. Fisher has been able to stay in touch with some of the marines he became friends with throughout the years. Over the upcoming summer, Mr. Fisher has the opportunity to visit Charlie Larson. Mr. Larson is one of the Marines that Mr. Fisher was close to; this is the first time they will be able to see each other in forty-five years.

Throughout his tour in Vietnam, Mr. Fisher was able to save his money. He sent much of his pay home to have his family save for him because there wasn’t much for him to do with it while in Vietnam. Towards the end of his tour, he took his money and ordered a 1969 Pontiac GTO, in hopes that he’d be able to return to a brand new car. When he got home, Mr. Fisher was stationed at Camp Pendleton from April 1969 to June 1969. After being honorably discharged, his father picked him up and they drove back to Iowa from Oceanside, California. He stayed with his father for eight or so months to work. He worked for Northwestern Bell. During this time it was hard to adjust to “normal life.”

The first months of being home there were some war protest going on and much change occurring. “At the time it wasn’t popular to be a Vietnam Vet,” shared Mr. Fisher, “It was hard to read about the war and to talk about it.” During his time in Iowa, he also met his wife. “I got married and she’s put up with for forty-six years, believe it or not,” told Mr. Fisher. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher had two children, one boy and one girl, and now have 3 grandchildren, all of which are boys. He moved out to California in 1981 and worked for Pacific Bell, and has stayed here ever since. He and his wife love to travel, especially to places that are related to the history of the United States. Mr. Fisher is currently a part of Semper Fi #1, and has been since January of 2008. Semper Fi #1 is a voluntary unit of retired Marines that provide military honors for veterans at the Riverside National Cemetery.

When asked about his reflection of his service, Mr. Fisher replied, “[There was] a lot of things you didn’t like at the time, but as you look back it was a hundred percent positive… I’m better for the experience, lucky to come home… it makes me appreciate things a little more.” He learned from the Marines to “follow orders and do the best job no matter what.”Mr. Fisher often attends military events with his wife, and occasionally with his brother. He was greatly changed by his experiences, but is proud to have served and would never change any of his experiences as a Marine.