Today’s Star Spangled Salute honors Vietnam War Veteran Max Slieter. Max joined the Army when he was 18, like his father and grandfather before him. After training in Virginia, it wasn’t long before Max was sent to Vietnam as part of the 1099th Boat Company, better known as “The River Rats”. Mission after mission, up and down dangerous waters at night, hauling ammo and bombs. Max said night time was the worst because that’s when the enemy would attack. Many times, when they would reach their destination, the would be unloading their cargo while mortar fire fell all around them. One shell exploded just 10 feet from Max, knocking him down and injuring him with shrapnel. Max spent a year in Vietnam and wasn’t state side long because he requested to get sent back so he could train the new guys. After the war, Max enjoyed a career as a truck driver. Thank you for sharing your story Max and THANK YOU for your service.
