Scope and Contents

Approximately two linear feet of photographs, museum artifacts, PSYOPS documents, and propaganda materials document Gary Gillette's service in the US Army and the use of psychological operations and propaganda during the Vietnam Conflict. All materials date from the war period and are in good condition.

Biographical / Historical

LTC (Ret) Gary A. Gillette was commissioned a United States Army Air Defense Artillery Second Lt. In 1961 after graduating from St. Johns University in Minnesota. Following commissioning, LTC Gillette held numerous assignments including Battery Commander of a Nike Hercules Missile Battery, which was part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Defense system and an assignment in Greenland before being assigned to Military Assistance Command Vietnam from October 1967-October 1968. During his assignment in Vietnam, he was a propaganda officer assigned to a Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) unit in Vinh Long Province. His job was as an Advisory Team Leader and as such was responsible for the following duties: Distributing PSYOP propaganda, Distribution of Relief Commodities, and Assisting and establishing refugee and welfare areas.
During his service in Vietnam he was promoted from Captain to Major and for bravery he was awarded the Bronze Star. LTC Gillette retired in 1983 after 22 years of service. Following his retirement LTC Gillette became a schoolteacher in El Paso, TX. He passed away in 1996, due to cancer.