Scope and Contents

Jungle uniform shirts and pants that were worn by Captain Lester L. Westling, Jr., CHC, USN (Ret.) while in Vietnam.

Biographical / Historical

Captain Lester Westling, Jr., volunteered for the US Navy Reserves in 1963, and was assigned to active duty from 1966-1987, retiring as a Captain. Lt. Westling served as Battalion Chaplain to the 1st and 3rd Medical Battalions from October 1966 through April 1967. From May 1967 to September 1967 Westling served as Battalion Chaplain to the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment at the DMZ. From May 1969 to May 1970 Lt. Commander Westling served as a circuit rider Chaplain throughout IV Corps for Naval Support Activity, Saigon. During this year Westling administered to 65 combat units. While in Vietnam Westling received the Combat Action Ribbon, Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal (with 'V' device), Bronze Star (with 'V' device), Combat Aircrew Wings (with 3 stars), Presidential Unit Ciatation (twice), Naval Unit Commendation (three times), Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civic Action).