The Lighter Side of Vietnam

Woody Carpenter saw death and destruction as an infantryman in Vietnam. He prefers to reflect on the lighter moments.

He can share stories about the $48 a month in “funny money” he received with nowhere to spend it; the fellow Soldier who stayed drunk and celebrated a flesh wound which was a ticket home; and exploding a pile of human excrement with diesel fuel.

“It was an interesting time,” the Decatur resident said.

Carpenter, originally from Anniston, attended college at Jacksonville State and at Auburn before dropping out and getting drafted. He was 23 when he got drafted in April 1967. He arrived in Vietnam in April 1968… read more >