Interview with Joe Altimari, April 19, 2022

Interview Summary

Joe Altimari, a northeast Philly native who fought in Vietnam for the United States Army, discusses his experiences as a soldier from June 1969 to May 1970. After learning his draft number was twelve, Altimari enlisted in the Army in October of 1968. He worked as a radio repairman and door gunner for the 132nd ASHC based out of Chu Lai, Vietnam in I Corps. Altimari flew over seventy-five combat missions and was awarded many medals. In the interview, Altimari discusses his life growing up in Northeast Philadelphia and attending Father Judge High School. Altimari shares his experiences joining the Army, and about his role working with Chinook Helicopters. He shares his thoughts on fighting and living in I Corp and explores his duties as a nineteen-year-old platoon sergeant. He finishes by speaking about home and his experiences as a veteran, and coming to grips with the aftermath of the war.

Interview Keyword

132nd Assault Support Helicopter Company Americal Helicopter Nose Art Air Medal with the V Device (aerial act of heroism award) Communications radio repair Bunker duty Chinook Helicopter Armed Forces Radio Vietnam (AFRV

Interview LC Subject

My Lai Massacre, Vietnam, 1968. Chu Lai Chinook (Military transport helicopter) Soldiers Vietnam War, 1961-1975

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.