Vietnam vet recalls life as Combat Tracker

Air Cav Vietnam vet recalls life as Combat Tracker
Fort Hood Sentinel
By Sgt. Christopher Calvert
1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
JULY 25, 2013

Growing up with World War II veterans as close friends and a Battle of Manila hero as a father, John Dupla had little doubt what he wanted to do when he grew up. It was his turn to give back as a Soldier like those who sacrificed so much before him.

Surrounded by a rich military history, Dupla said hearing war stories of the past from friends and family inclined him to volunteer for enlistment in 1966, despite the ongoing Vietnam War.

“I grew up influenced by men who parachuted into Normandy with the 101st Airborne,” Dupla said. “Hearing of their valor, as well as of my dad’s in the Philippines as an (Military Police), really made me feel like it was my turn to serve. They had done their share, and it was just natural for me to do mine.”

Upon graduating initial entry training and the U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga. as an airborne infantryman, Dupla was immediately deployed to Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), 9th Cavalry Regiment.

No sooner than Dupla hit the ground, he was given the opportunity to volunteer for a new and upcoming program that was being developed and about which he knew little.
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