Today, I honor Marine Veteran and Actor Larry Wilcox. In May of 1967, Larry went to Marine boot camp. Her served as a field artillerman assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, from 1967 to 1970. Those years included a 13-month deployment to South Vietnam, where he served in the northernmost region of the country and the demilitarized zone bordering North Vietnam. Also, he fought in the Tet Offensive, which started Jan. 30, 1968, and lasted until September 1968. Like many Vietnam War veterans, Wilcox’s homecoming was not joyous, saying he couldn’t understand why people at the airport would spit on him after he risked his life for his country. After his service, he discovered acting and was best known for his lead role as Jon Baker on the TV show CHiPs from 1977 to 1983. Congratulations on a life well lived, welcome home, Larry, and THANK YOU for your service.
