My friends and family asked me to submit this about my experience in Vietnam.

I was a poor farm boy from Mars Hill, NC drafted when I was 19 in August 1968. I took basic training at Ft. Bragg, NC and then was assigned to Ft. Eustis, VA for AIT training as a crew chief and was sent to Vietnam in July 1969.

I was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division Troop C 1/9 as a crew chief and door gunner on an observation helicopter. I sure did know what to expect but I learned quickly.

We flew combat missions almost every day and were known as Scouts. The helicopter that I was on was a decoy trying to draw enemy fire with the Cobra gunship chasing us.

I did this for 6 months until I was injured in a mid-air collision in July 1969.

I was awarded the Bronze Star and 2 air medals with the V device for valor. As a result, I was sent to Ft. Jackson, SC where I was discharged in August 1970 and have lived in South Carolina ever since.

I would serve again if asked.

A flag sponsored by Norton Real Estate in honor of David Norton will be displayed at location H-5 throughout the 2024 Upstate Field of Honor®.